Abstract: Objective To explore the effects of a single bout of aerobic exercise on oxidative stress and total peripheral vascular resistance. Methods 36 prehypertensive patients were divided into aerobic exercise group (n=18) and control group (n=18). The aerobic exercise group performed cycle ergometry at 70% maximal oxygen consumption for 30 min. Total peripheral vascular resistance (TPVR), malondialdehyde (MDA), mean arterial pressure (MAP), vitamin C (VC) and vitamin E (VE) were measured before, immediately, 1 hour and 2 hours after the aerobic exercise. Results There was no significant difference in TPVR, MDA, MAP, VC and VE between two groups before exercise (P>0.05). TPVR was all significantly lower in the aerobic exercise group than in the control group immediately, 1 hour and 2 hours after exercise (P<0.001), and showed a rising trend of recovery. MDA was significantly higher in the aerobic exercise group than in the control group 1 hour and 2 hours after exercise (P<0.05), however there was no significant difference in MDA between two groups immediately after exercise (P>0.05). MAP was significantly lower immediately after exercise in the aerobic exercise group than in the control group (P< 0.001), but there was no significant 1 hour and 2 hours after exercise (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in VC and VE between two groups immediately, 1 hour and 2 hours after exercise (P>0.05). Conclusion The level of oxidative stress increases after a single bout of aerobic exercise, and the TPVR decreases.

Key words: hypertension, aerobic exercise, oxidative stress, total peripheral vascular resistance