Document Type : Original Article

Authors

• Bahar Saljougi Berenji ¹
• Marefat Siahkohian ²
• Elnaz Rezayi ¹

¹ M.Sc. Student in Exercise Physiology, , Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

² Professor at Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

Abstract

Background and Aims: Physical activity is known to enhance physiological functions, including pulmonary capacity and inflammatory regulation. This study aimed to examine and compare the effects of eight weeks of aerobic and polarized training on pulmonary function, inflammation, muscle damage, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in physically active girls. Materials and Methods:
In this quasi-experimental study with a pre-test–post-test design, 30 active female participants were randomly assigned to three groups: aerobic training, polarized training, and control. The intervention completed three sessions per week over eight weeks. Pulmonary function variables—Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV₁) were measured via spirometry. Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) were assessed using the ELISA method following standard protocols. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA for initial group homogeneity, paired t-tests for within-group comparisons, and ANCOVA for post-intervention between-group analysis. Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used where significant differences were observed. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Both aerobic and polarized training resulted in significant improvements in FEV₁ and FVC compared to the control group (p < 0.05). CRP levels decreased significantly in both training groups, while CPK changes were not statistically significant. VEGF levels increased significantly in both experimental groups relative to control (p < 0.05). Effect size analysis showed that polarized training had the greatest impact on FVC (1.31), while aerobic training most effectively improved FEV₁ (1.06). CRP reductions reflected strong anti-inflammatory effects, with effect sizes of –1.32 and –1.09 in the aerobic and polarized groups, respectively. Conclusion:Aerobic and polarized training are both effective in enhancing pulmonary function and modulating inflammatory responses in physically active individuals, offering valuable non-pharmacological strategies for improving respiratory and vascular health

Keywords

• Polarized training
• Aerobic training
• Pulmonary function
• Inflammatory markers
• Vascular endothelial growth factor