Effect of aerobic exercise on general health and serotonin levels of Inactive Veterans

Background and aims: In many communities, the sport as a method of therapy is used to improve the disabled and veterans' health which has been a useful and effective. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of aerobic exercise on general health and serotonin levels in inactive veterans. Material and method: Based on semi experimental design 40 veterans, 25 percent impaired and with age average 40/3±1/4, were selected and randomly divided into two experimental and control groups. Subjects in the experimental group participated in a period of 12 week’s aerobic exercise training program, which done 3 times a week at 50-65 percent of Vo2max. Control group did not participate in any exercise program during study period. General health of the subjects and its subscales was measured by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Serotonin levels, VO2max, percent body fat and BMI before and after training for both groups were measured respectively. Data were analyzed using t-tests at 5% alpha error level was performed using SPSS version 16. Results: Data analysis showed significant difference between the two groups in general health. The difference in psychosomatic subscales, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction and depression were observed between two groups. Also, the results of this study showed that after 12 weeks aerobic exercise, percent body fat, BMI and lipid profile decreased significantly in training group. VO2max and serotonin also increased significantly compared with the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Aerobic exercise for inactive veterans maybe effective in reducing serotonin levels and increasing general health and placed in line health promotion programs.