Effects of Nordic Walking on Oxidant and Antioxidant Status: Levels of Calcidiol and Proinflammatory Cytokines in Middle-Aged Women

OBJECTIVES: Nordic walking (NW) is relatively new and popular type of physical exercise with less studied effects than other sports activities. The aim of the study was to analyze possible changes in somatic indices, oxidant and antioxidant status, interleukins, and calcidiol levels in middle-aged women after a 12-week NW training program. STUDY DESIGN: In this study, we examined the effects of NW training on selected measures and changes in body weight, fat mass, and calcidiol levels. METHODS: The study group consisted of 13 women (46 ± 4.2 years), who took part in trainings. Before and after the training program, some anthropometric indices were determined and selected biochemical parameters were measured in blood. RESULTS: NW training led to a significant decrease of the total body mass and fat mass and to an increase in lean body mass (p < 0.05). It also contributed to a significant increase in total antioxidative status (TAS) and calcidiol levels (p < 0.05). Before training, a reverse correlation between IL-6 and total oxidative capacity (TOC) levels (p < 0.05) was found, while after training between IL-6 and calcidiol levels (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: 12-week NW training undertaken by premenopausal women not only has a positive effect on body composition but also on the plasma antioxidative capacity.