Influence of exercise intensity on systemic oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity

Summary The aim of the current study was to examine the influence of exercise intensity on systemic oxidative stress (OS) and endogenous antioxidant capacity. Non‐smoking, sedentary healthy adult males (n = 14) participated in two exercise sessions using an electronically braked cycle ergometer. The first session consisted of a graded exercise test to determine maximal power output and oxygen consumption (VO2max). One week later, participants undertook 5‐min cycling bouts at 40%, 55%, 70%, 85% and 100% of VO2max, with passive 12‐min rest between stages. Measures of systemic OS reactive oxygen metabolites (dROM), biological antioxidant potential (BAP), heart rate (HR), VO2, blood lactate and rating of perceived exertion were assessed at rest and immediately following each exercise stage. Significant (P