The effect of exercise on homocysteine and some blood parameters in middle-aged sedentary individuals

Purpose: The objective of this study is to examine the effect of exercise on the blood levels of homocysteine, hemoglobin and hematocrit in middle-aged sedentary individuals. Material: A total of 24 middle-aged (35-55 years) sedentary individuals (12 females and 12 males) living in Batman province voluntarily participated in this study. Body weight, body mass index, Homocysteine, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit blood levels were measured before and after a walking exercise scheduled for 6 weeks. Walking exercise was administered 4 days a week for the 6 weeks. Initially, the walking exercises started as 40 min and increased to 60 min towards the end of the program. In the exercises, walking tempo was kept higher than normal and in parallel to the overall health levels of the subjects. The data obtained were then analyzed through the SPSS 25.00 package program. Results: It was determined that there were statistically significant differences in the pretest and posttest parameters of body weight, body mass index, and Homocysteine values. Additionally, it was determined that, after the 6-week exercise program applied to the female and male participants, there were statistically significant differences between the pretest and posttest parameters of body weight, body mass index, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and homocysteine blood levels. Conclusions: As the conclusion, it was determined that, after the 6-week exercise program applied to a total of 24 participants (12 females and 12 males), there were statistically significant changes in the values of body weight, body mass index, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and homocysteine blood levels. It is suggested for further studies to apply nutrition programs and exercise protocols on young people regularly doing exercise and active athletes in different branches in order to contribute to sports science.