Effects of Combined Submaximal Aerobic Exercise and Anaerobic Exercise on Serum Human Growth Hormone in Undergraduate Students

Abstract

The serum human growth hormone (GH) levels at pre- and post-experiment based on designed submaximal aerobic exercise and anaerobic exercise program for cardiovascular endurance in physical education students were investigated in comparison to the aged-match sedentary control medical student group. According to a paired-samples t-test of physical education students, there were statistically significant differences between the pre- and postexercise program at week 0 (t = -2.724, p = 0.013) and week 4 (t = -1.340, p = 0.018) whereas no significant differences between pre- and post-exercise programs were observed at week 8. It may be possible that the intensity of the designed exercise program was ineffectually strenuous to prolong the activation of GH secretion. Hence, the improvement by adjusting the exercise program in each week should be designed to prevent the body from becoming acclimatized to the exercise program.