Sport Biosciences

The effect of two types of aerobic and combined exercise on the autonomic nervous system, heart rate variability, and oxidative stress in women with panic disorder

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Nahid Ashkriz 1
Lotfali Bolboli 1
Mostafa Khani 2
Roghayyeh Afroundeh 3
Mahta Eskandarnejad 4

1 Department of Sport Biosciences, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

2 Department of Sport Biosciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

3 Department of Sport Biosciences, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil

4 Department of Movement Behavior, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

10.22059/jsb.2025.385925.1664
Abstract
Introduction:

In individuals with panic disorder, autonomic nervous system activity is often impaired. Aerobics exercise may help improve oxidative stress and heart rate variability (HRV). This study aimed to examine the effects of aerobics and combined aerobics+resistance exercises on the autonomic nervous system, HRV, and oxidative stress in women with panic disorder.

Method:

This quasi-experimental clinical trial included 31 women with panic disorder (mean panic score: 42.96 ± 16.66), selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three groups: low-impact aerobics exercise (n = 10), high-low impact aerobics+resistance exercise (n = 10), and a control group (n = 11). Blood samples were collected 24 hours before the first session and 24 hours after the final session to measure total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA). HRV was assessed at rest using Holter monitoring. Data were analyzed using covariance tests at a 0.05 significance level in SPSS version 26.

Results:

After 12 weeks of training, significant improvements were observed in MDA, TAC, and panic scores in both exercise groups (p ≤ 0.05). However, HRV indices (SDNN, HF, LF, LF/HF, TP) showed no significant changes.

Conclusion:

Twelve weeks of low-impact aerobics and high-Low impact aerobics-resistance training improved oxidative stress in women with panic disorder but did not significantly affect HRV indices.

Keywords

Heart rate variability"
High-Low impact aerobics "
Low impact aerobics "
Oxidative stress "
"
Panic Disorder "
."
Resistance
Subjects
Sport Biosciences
Volume 16, Issue 4
Winter 2025
Pages 71-89

  • Receive Date 27 November 2024
  • Revise Date 02 March 2025
  • Accept Date 05 March 2025

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