The effect of training type on oxidative DNA damage and antioxidant capacity during three-dimensional space exercise

Orbotron training is a popular training method for fighter pilots because it replicates a high-acceleration environment with excessive G-force. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 9 weeks of orbotron training on oxidative DNA damage and antioxidant capacity in humans during 3-dimensional space exercise.

The subjects comprised 15 senior cadets from the Korea Air Force Academy who had no record of medical disorders and who participated in a regular exercise program (3 times per week). They were randomly divided into three groups consisting of 5 subjects each: a weight training group (21.97 +/- 1.12 years), a running training group (21.53 +/- 0.18 years) and an orbotron training group (21.48 +/- 0.29 years). Three-dimensional exercise tests were performed before and after training, and blood samples were taken to measure the concentration of plasma lactate, malondialdehyde (MDA), erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and leukocyte DNA damage.

Plasma lactate concentrations decreased in all three groups when measured after training and after 30 min of recovery compared to before training (p < 0.05). The concentration of plasma MDA also decreased after training in all blood samples compared to the values obtained before training although there was no significant difference in the weight training and orbotron training groups. In contrast, the activity of erythrocyte SOD increased for all three groups compared to before training (p < 0.05). In the comet assay results, the greatest lymphocyte DNA damage was demonstrated at the end of exercise compared to the other three samples under all conditions, and these aspects were commonly observed in all three parameters of lymphocyte DNA damage (tail DNA, tail length and tail moment) (p < 0.05).

It can be concluded that the three types of exercise training reduced plasma lactate concentration, improved antioxidant enzyme activity, and further protected the body against oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation and DNA damage). Although we have identified an effect of exercise training on the levels of antioxidants and oxidants, our cohort was small, so further studies are needed to evaluate the different types of exercise training.