IMPACT OF AEROBICS ON TOTAL CHOLESTEROL AMONG TEACHER TRAINEES

IMPACT OF  AEROBICS ON TOTAL CHOLESTEROL AMONG TEACHER TRAINEES

Dr. Titto Charian¹, & Dr. George Abraham²

¹Assistant Professor of Physical Education, Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Training College, Puthencruz, M. G University, Kerala, INDIA

²Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, INDIA

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of aerobics on total cholesterol among teacher trainees. Forty female teacher trainees (n = 40) were randomly selected as subjects and their age ranged between 20 and 26 years. The selected subjects were randomly assigned into two equal groups such as the experimental group (EG) and control group (CG) with twenty subjects each (n = 20). The experimental groups underwent their respective experimental treatment for five days in a  week for twelve weeks and a session on each day. The control group was not exposed to any specific training apart from their day to day activities. The total cholesterol was taken as variable for this investigation. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze the collected data. The results revealed that the experimental group (EG) produced significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) on total cholesterol due to twelve weeks of aerobic when compared to control group (CG).

Key Words: Aerobics, lipoprotein, cholesterol

Introduction

Aerobics is a form of exercises with stretching and strength training routines with the goal of improving all elements of fitness especially cardiovascular fitness. It is a light to moderate intensity, and can be undertaken for a prolonged duration (many minutes to several hours) without excessive fatigue (Blair & Morris, 2009). It strengthens the heart and lungs and trains cardiovascular system to manage and deliver oxygen more quickly and efficiently throughout the body. Aerobic exercise uses the large muscle groups, is rhythmic in nature, and can be maintained continuously for at least 10 minutes (www). Regular exercise causes the body to make adjustments that result in improved health and physical functioning (Johnson et al, 1982) Regularly doing the right types of exercise at the correct intensity, and for an appropriate duration, results in the most benefit (ACSM, 2000). Other fitness improvements occur in the exercising muscles, and are specific to those muscles being used in the mode of exercise (e.g. walking, running, cycling, or swimming). These include an increased capacity for the muscles to take up and use the additional oxygen being delivered by the heart. Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of total cholesterol (Barengo et al., 2006). It can also reduce anxiety, stress and depression, as well as instilling a general sense of well-being.

Total cholesterol is the sum of all the cholesterol in the blood. It is used to produce hormones and cell membranes and is transported in the blood plasma of all mammals (Emma, 2009). It is a waxy steroid of fat that is produced in the liver or intestines. In addition, cholesterol is an important component in the manufacture of bile acids, steroid hormones, and vitamin D. Cholesterol is an important and necessary for mammals, high levels of cholesterol in the blood can damage arteries and are potentially linked to diseases such as those associated with the cardiovascular system (Pearson et al., 2003). The liver is the major production factory for cholesterol (about 70%). High cholesterol levels are strong indicators of those individuals that are prone to coronary heart disease (Olsin, 1990). Elevated total cholesterol is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. The build-up of plaque in the artery may lead to narrowing (high blood pressure) or complete blockage (heart attack) of the vessel (Tymoczko, 2002). As levels rise above 180 mg/dl, the risk for developing coronary heart disease increases (American heart association, 2008). A reduction of 1% is shown to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease by 2% for levels over 200 mg/dl (Gordon et al., 1995). The aerobics helps to reduce the level total cholesterol (Pearson et al., 2003).

Methods

Forty female teacher trainees (n = 40) were studied in Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Training College, Puthencruz during the academic year 2015-16, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India were selected as subjects and the age of the students were between 20 and 26 years. The selected subjects were randomly divided into two equal groups of twenty subjects each (n = 20). The groups were one experimental group (EG) and one control (CG). During the training period, the experimental groups underwent their respective training programme for 5 days in a week for twelve weeks and a session on each day apart from their regular programme. Control group (CG), who did not participate in any specific training apart from their day to day activities. Moderate intensity (60-70%) of aerobics was used in this experiment. The total cholesterol was selected as the criterion variable for this study. It was measured by oxides enzymatic method using the Boechringer Mannheim kit (www). These are the exercise used as an aerobic 1. Brisk walking 2. Jogging 3. Callisthenics 4. Skiping 5. Step climping 6. Stretching 7. Abdominal crunches. Mean and standard deviation were calculated for total cholesterol for each training group. And the data were analyzed by using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Statistical significance was fixed at 0.01 and 0.05 levels.

Results

Table - I

Analysis of Covariance on Total Cholesterol of Experimental Group and the Control Group

Test		Experimental Group	Control Group	SOV	SS	df	MS	F
Pretest	Mean	195.3	191.8	B W	122.5	1	122.5	0.69
	SD	11.89	14.55		6709.4	38	176.56
Post test	Mean	178.45	194.8	B W	2673.23	1	2673.25	22.23*
	SD	9.71	12.09		4572.15	38	120.32
Adjusted Post test	Mean	178.14	195.11	B W	2830.95 4355.91	1 37	2830.95 117.73	24.05*

F = (df 1, 38) (0.05) = 4.10 & (0.01) = 7.35; (P £ 0.05) & (P £ 0.01),   F = (df 1, 37) (0.05) = 4.11 & (0.01) = 7.37; (P £ 0.05) & (P £ 0.01).

Table I shows that the pre test mean of experimental and control groups are 195.3 and 191.8 respectively. The obtained F ratio of 0.69 for the pre test mean is less than the table value 4.10 for df 1 and 38 required for significance at 0.05 level and table value 7.35 for df 1 and 38 required for significant at 0.01 level. The post tests mean of experimental and control groups are 178.45 and 194.8 respectively. The obtained F ratio of 22.23 for post test mean is higher than the table value 4.10 for df 1 and 38 required for significance at 0.05 and table value 7.35 for df 1 and 38 required for significant at 0.01 level. The adjusted post test mean of experimental and control groups are 178.14 and 195.11 respectively.  The obtained F ratio of 24.05 for adjusted post test mean is also higher than the required table value 4.11 for df 1 and 37 required for significant at 0.05 and 7.37 to 0.01 levels.

The result of the study indicated that there were significant differences between the post test and adjusted post tests mean of the aerobic training group and the control group on total cholesterol at 0.05 and 0.01 levels.

Figure 1: The pre, post and adjusted post test mean values of experimental group and control group on Total Cholesterol

Discussion

Physical fitness can help to normalise the blood cholesterol level (Pescatello et al., 2000). The association between high serum cholesterol levels and the incidence and severity of coronary heart disease (CHD) is so pronounced in epidemiological studies that the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recognize this association as causal (Expert Panel, 1993). Epidemiological research has decisively demonstrated that low concentrations of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are associated with a decrease in coronary heart disease (Kannel, 1983) . Several investigators have reported favorable changes in blood lipids and lipoproteins following a physical training (Braith & Stewart, 2006)). Boardley (2007) clearly explained that the systematic aerobics helps to normalize the cholesterol level. From the results of the present study and literature, it is concluded that the total cholesterol was significantly reduced due to twelve weeks of aerobics. As health and fitness practitioners, designing exercise programs that alter the individual's total cholesterol in a positive way is an important component to be included in program objectives. Until specific recommendations based on further research are developed, we recommend aerobics are one  the best method to normalize the total cholesterol level.

Conclusion

This study is concluded that there was a significant improvement in total cholesterol level due to twelve weeks of aerobics during the age between 20 and 26 years of female teacher trainees. This study also revealed  that the level of total cholesterol is nearby the border line of the majority of teacher trainees, who belong to 20 – 26 age group.

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