Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2026

Determining the Contribution of the Energy Systems During Exercise
Published on: March 20, 2012
Generation of reactive oxygen species after exhaustive aerobic and isometric exercise
H M Alessio1, A E Hagerman, B K Fulkerson
1Physical Education, Health, and Sport Studies, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA. alessih@muohio.edu
Unlabelled:
Many studies have implicated elevated oxygen consumption (VO2) associated with aerobic exercise as contributing to oxidative stress. Only a few studies have investigated nonaerobic exercise and its relation to pro-oxidant and antioxidant activities.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to compare biomarkers of oxidative stress: lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and total antioxidants in blood after exhaustive aerobic (AE) and nonaerobic isometric exercise (IE).
Methods:
Blood samples were collected from 12 subjects who performed a maximum AE and IE test and were analyzed for thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), carbonyls, lipid hydroperoxides (LH), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC).
Results:
VO2 increased 14-fold with AE compared with 2-fold with IE. Protein carbonyls increased 67% (P < 0.05) pre- to immediately and 1 h post-AE, and 12% pre- to immediately post-IE and returned to baseline 1 h post-IE. TBARS did not increase significantly with either treatment. LH increased 36% above rest during IE compared with 24% during AE (P < 0.05). ORAC increased 25% (P < 0.05) pre- to post-AE, compared with 9% (P < 0.05) pre- to post-IE.
Conclusion:
There was evidence of oxidative stress after both exhaustive aerobic and isometric exercise. Lipid hydroperoxides, protein carbonyls, and total antioxidants increased after both IE and AE. Due to the different metabolic demands of aerobic and isometric exercise, we can rule out a mass action effect of VO2 as the sole mechanism for exercise-induced oxidative stress.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Electron Transport Chain: Complex III and IV
Energy Supply for Muscle Contraction
Muscle Recovery and Fatigue
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Cellular Respiration
Oxygen Requirements and Growth Patterns

