Azam Zarneshan, Mohammadreza Zolfaghari, Mahdia Gholamnejad, Mahdi Yousefi,
Volume 25, Issue 6 (Aug 2017)
Abstract
Introduction: Sex hormones’ fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, influence asthma and lung function. Information on the changes in exercise-induced sex hormones in mid luteal phase associated with lung function changes is not available. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the regular aerobic exercise on the lung function indices and serum levels of sex hormones in the mid luteal phase of asthmatic women.
Methods: The present study was a semi-experimental.twenty-four women with mild to moderate asthma and regular menstrual cycles were enrolled in this study in two exercise (n=13) and control (n=11) groups. The exercise group participated in three sessions (evening)/week of aerobic exercise training for three months. The mid-luteal phase was determined as seven to eight days after ovulation by Ovulation Strip Test (Max14). Before and after protocol and in mid luteal phase, variables were measured. The research data were normalized by Jarque-Bera test and analyzed using the dependent and independent t tests as well as Pearson’s correlation coefficient.
Results: Twenty-one participants (12 in exercise and 9 in control groups) completed the protocol. After threemonths exercise training, lung function indices, including %FEV1, FEV1, FVC, and PEF increased in the exercise group compared with the control group (p<0/05). There was not a significant correlation between the changes of sex hormones with increases of the lung function indices (p<0/05).
Conclusion: The present study indicates that the regular aerobic exercises improved pulmonary function independent of the sex hormone changes in asthmatic women
