Effect of Chester-step Aerobic Exercise on the Levels of Oxidized Low- Density Lipoprotein and Adiponectin in Adult Subjects in Nnewi Metropolis

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide withsedentary lifestyle, characterized by consistently low levels of physical activity, now recognized as a leading contributor to cardiovascular diseases. Objective: This was a longitudinal prospective study aimed at assessing the serum levels of adiponectin and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) in subjects undergoing chester-step aerobic exercise in Nnewi metropolis, Anambra State. Materials and methods: The aerobic exercise involved a standard chester step test bench protocol which was repeated for at least 3 times a week for a six-week period. A total of 30 subjects (18-50years) were recruited for this study. 5 ml of blood samples were collected before and after the stipulated period of aerobic exercise. Levels of adiponectin and Ox-LDL were determined using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. Result: The pre-exercise BMI mean value (24.07±3.64) was not significantly different from the post-exercise BMI (24.02±3.94) (p>0.05). There was also non-significant difference in the mean serum levels of adiponectin and Ox-LDL (p>0.05) in preand post-chester-step aerobic exercise subjects. Anon-significant positive correlation between adiponectin (r=0.324, p=0.081) and Ox-LDL (r=0.146, P=0.442) with age. There was also a non-significant positive correlation between adiponectin and Ox-LDL with body mass index (r=0.122, p=0.521 and r=0.197, p=0.29) respectively. Conclusion: The non-significantly decreased mean levels of adiponectin and oxidized low density lipoprotein after chester-step aerobic exercise against pre-exercise values, suggest that chester-step aerobic exercise did not significantly alter cellular levels of adiponectin and Ox-LDL. However, the post-exercise decrease in mean levels of adiponectin and Ox-LDL against pre-exercise values (albeit non-significant), demonstrates that a more rigorous longitudinal aerobic exercise could yield a better outcome.