Comparison of the Effects of Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercises on Hormonal and Immune Biomarkers Measured by Blood and Saliva in Young Individuals

Exercise is a complex stimulus that induces multifaceted effects on an individual's physiological and psychological systems. Aerobic and anaerobic types of exercise differ in terms of their energy production pathways and metabolic responses in the body. Aerobic exercises are long-duration, oxygen-dependent activities, while anaerobic exercises are short-duration, high-intensity activities that activate oxygen-independent energy systems.

These types of exercise cause various hormonal, immunological, and metabolic changes in the body. After exercise, significant changes are observed in biomarkers such as stress hormones (cortisol, progesterone), anabolic hormones (testosterone), immune system markers (IgA, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-1RA, IL-4), and metabolic parameters (amylase, insulin, lactate). The fact that these parameters can be measured from both blood and saliva samples has increased the use of non-invasive methods in exercise physiology studies.

The level of physical activity is directly related not only to biological systems but also to an individual's psychological health and lifestyle habits. Research shows that regular physical activity reduces levels of depression and improves quality of life. The positive effects of exercise on the immune system become more significant when considered in conjunction with an individual's general lifestyle habits (nutrition, sleep, stress levels, substance use, etc.). It is particularly known that individuals with depression have high cortisol levels and suppressed IgA levels. Therefore, depression levels and lifestyle habits are important variables that affect the physiological responses to exercise.

This study will compare the effects of aerobic and anaerobic exercise on hormonal, immunological, and metabolic biomarkers measured via blood and saliva samples in young individuals. Additionally, the participants' physical activity levels, depression levels, and general lifestyle habits will be evaluated to explore the relationship between these variables and biomarker profiles. Measurements will include levels of testosterone, progesterone, cortisol, IgA, alpha-amylase, insulin, lactate, and various inflammatory cytokines, assessed using the ELISA method. In this way, the biological effects of different types of exercise will be evaluated from both physiological and psychosocial perspectives.

The main aim of this study is to comparatively examine the effects of aerobic and anaerobic exercises on hormonal, immunological, and metabolic biomarkers measured through blood and saliva samples in young individuals. Additionally, the relationship between the participants' physical activity level, depression level, and general lifestyle habits (nutrition, sleep patterns, substance use, etc.) with these biomarkers will be investigated, as well as the potential modulatory effects on the physiological responses to exercise.