THE EFFECTS OF EXERCISE ON IRON STATUS AND AEROBIC CAPACITY IN MODERATELY EXERCISING

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 10-week mode rate exercise on iron status and aerobic capacity of adult women. Seve nteen women, 56- to 67-years, served either as controls (no exercise, n = 9) or participated in a supervised exercise program (n = 8). women in the exercise group cycled on an ergometer three days per week, for 40 minutes at 70 to 75% maximal heart rate for 10 weeks. Pre- and pos t- (weeks 0 and 11) submaximal treadmill stress tests were obtained. A erobic capacity was evaluated by heart rate per grade, maximum oxygen capacity, and time to reach 70% maximum heart rate. The results indica ted that average heart rate per grade decreased and time to reach 70% max heart rate increased in the exercise group (p < .05) after 10 week s of moderate exercise training. Iron status as determined by serum fe rritin, transferrin saturation, serum iron, total iron binding capacit y, hemoglobin and hematocrit was normal and comparable between both gr oups. Hemoglobin increased (p < .05) after 10 weeks of supervised mode rate exercise. The results suggest that 10 weeks of moderate exercise enhances aerobic capacity of older women but does not compromise iron status.