Work

Association between VO 2 max and antioxidant capacity in healthy young Saudi men

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Physical fitness is a key protective factor against cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disturbances, and cancer, partly due to its influence on antioxidant capacity. However, the relationship between aerobic fitness and specific redox markers remains inadequately explored in young Saudi men. This study investigates the correlation between maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) and key antioxidant parameters in healthy Saudi males. Design and methods: In this cross-sectional study, a group of 88 healthy Saudi men aged 18–25 years with a normal BMI (18.50–24.99) and moderate physical activity levels was recruited. VO 2 max was assessed using cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a Bruce treadmill protocol. The resting redox status was evaluated by plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive Species (TBARS) using ELISA technique. Results: The mean VO 2 max of the participants was 41.8 ± 7.1 ml/kg/min, with over 50% classified as having “poor” or “very poor” fitness categories. A significant positive correlation was identified between VO 2 max and TAC ( r = 0.251, p = 0.018). However, no significant associations were detected between VO 2 max and SOD, catalase, or TBARS. Conclusions: These findings indicate that aerobic fitness is positively associated with resting total antioxidant capacity, potentially offering greater protection against oxidative stress-related chronic diseases. The absence of significant correlations between VO 2 max, individual antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation markers may be attributed to the relatively low VO 2 max levels in this cohort. Further research is warranted to explore this relationship across a broader range of fitness levels and additional oxidative stress biomarkers.

Source: Journal of Public Health Research

DOI: 10.1177/22799036251407364

Authors: Khaled Sayar, Abdullah Bamosa, Lubna Al-Asoom, Ayad Mohammed Salem, Qassim Muaidi

Institution: Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University

Language: English

Topic: Exercise and Physiological Responses

Subfield: Rehabilitation

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,500