THE EFFECTS OF TAEKWONDO TRAINING ON OXIDATIVE STRESS LEVELS IN CHILDREN

Objective: In this study, the objective was to compare the oxidative-antioxidative status and oxidative stress index (OSI) in child athletes who take part ins taekwondo sport, the volunteer group was of the same age and in healthy condition. Also, the other objective was to determine the effect of regular exercise on total oxidative status (TOS)-total antioxidative status (TAC) and oxidative stress index. Material and Method: The experiment group consisted of 16 amateur taekwondo athletes who regularly participated in a 2-hour training per day, 3 days per week for at least 2 years. The control group was formed from 12 healthy adolescents of similar age and same sex who had not had any form of regular sports or exercise and they continued their usual sedentary life. Total antioxidative status (TAC), lipid y hydroperoxide (LOOH), Total oxidative status (TOS) parameters were measured. Percent ratio of total peroxide level to TAC level was accepted as an oxidative stress index (OSI)Results: We found LOOH, TOS, OS and TAC values (p<0.05) at a significantly higer level in the teakwondo group. Conclusion: It is thought that the study results show that the person who does exercise regularly creates oxidative radicals, and also induces antioxidant enzymes in order to increase the antioxidant defense.