Effect of Interval Swimming Training on Iron Storage and Hepcidin Level in Adolescent Boys Aged 13-15 Years Old

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Iron has a substantial role in growth of children. Regarding importance of iron metabolism and the role of hepcidin in this process, we aimed to evaluate the impact of a single period of interval swimming exercise on iron storage content and plasma hepcidin level in adolescent boys. Subjects and Methods In present semi-experimental study, 30 swimmers were selected by targeted sampling, and randomly allocated into two groups (each with 15 members) of swimming interval training (13.70±0.70) and control (13.75±0.88). Training protocol included eight weeks of interval swimming exercise, three sessions (50-60 minutes) per week of swimming interval training with 60-80% heart rate reserved, and rest to training ratio 1:1. Fasting blood sampling was performed in pre-test and post-test. Paired and independent t tests were used for data analysis at significant level of P≤0.05. Results After eight weeks of training, a significant reduction was found in levels of hemoglobin (P=0.001), serum iron (P=0.008) and ferritin (P=0.012, while hepcidin level (P=0.040) showed a significant increase respective to control group. Conclusion Considering our results, eight weeks of interval swimming exercise can reduce iron storages (in physiologic levels) and increase plasma hepcidin in adolescent boys.