Introduction: Some Cytokines were introduced as the predictors of cardiovascular disease risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eight week aerobic and interval training on TNF-ɑ, IL-6 and hs-CRP levels in female basketball players.
Methodology: 28 healthy female basketball players participated in this study, voluntarily and were randomly divided into two groups: aerobic training and control groups. Blood samples were taken in both pre and post-test after 12 hours of fasting. Aerobic training were performed 3 times per week for eight weeks.
Results: Eight week aerobic training significantly reduced serum IL-6, TNF-ɑ and hs-CRP levels (P<0.05); while these variables had no significant change in the control group (P>0.05). IL-6 levels between aerobic training and control group (P=0.005) and TNF-α levels between aerobic training and control group had significant differences (P=0.034). The changes of hs-CRP means had a significant difference between aerobic training group and control group (P=0.016).
Discussion: Aerobic training for eight weeks decreased inflammatory Cytokines levels; Finally, intensity aerobic exercise 65% to 70% of maximum heart rate recommended to prevent and control cardiovascular disease risk factors.