Effects of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise on Cardiovascular Biomarkers in Sedentary Women

Sedentary lifestyle is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Circulating biomarkers such as brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), soluble ST2 (s-ST2), and Galectin-3 are widely used in clinical practice to evaluate cardiac stress, inflammation, and prognosis in cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about how regular exercise affects these biomarkers in healthy but sedentary young adults.

This randomized controlled trial was designed to compare the effects of two different exercise modalities, aerobic and resistance training, on cardiometabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in sedentary females aged 18 to 25 years.

Participants were randomly allocated to one of three parallel groups: aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, or non-exercising control. The aerobic group performed supervised treadmill-based walking and jogging at moderate intensity corresponding to 60 to 75 percent of heart rate reserve, for approximately 60 minutes per session, three times per week for 8 weeks. The resistance group completed supervised whole-body resistance training consisting of major upper and lower body exercises, performed as 3 sets of 8 to 10 repetitions at approximately 70 to 80 percent of one-repetition maximum, also three times per week for 8 weeks. The control group was instructed to maintain their usual sedentary lifestyle without engaging in structured exercise.

Fasting venous blood samples were collected at baseline and after the 8-week intervention to determine serum concentrations of NT-proBNP, BNP, s-ST2, and Galectin-3, as well as lipid profile, glucose, and insulin. Physiological and functional measurements included body composition, resting heart rate, blood pressure, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max).

The primary outcome was the change in NT-proBNP after 8 weeks. Secondary outcomes included changes in BNP, s-ST2, Galectin-3, lipid parameters, glycemic markers, blood pressure, and aerobic fitness.

The study aimed to determine whether exercise-induced changes in natriuretic peptides represent physiological cardiovascular adaptation rather than pathological stress, and whether aerobic and resistance exercise produce distinct biomarker responses. This information may improve interpretation of cardiovascular biomarkers in physically inactive young adults and highlight the role of structured exercise as a non-pharmacological strategy to improve cardiometabolic health.

Inclusion criteria

• Female, aged 18 to 25 years
• Sedentary lifestyle (no regular structured exercise training)
• Apparently healthy with no diagnosed cardiovascular, metabolic, or inflammatory disease
• Willing to participate in an 8-week supervised exercise program and provide blood samples
• Provided written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• History of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, or chronic inflammatory disorder
• Current use of medications affecting cardiovascular or metabolic function
• Regular participation in structured exercise or competitive sports
• Smoking or alcohol/drug abuse
• Any musculoskeletal or medical condition that prevents safe participation in exercise
• Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy