The response of Serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor of two types of swimming exercise in hypoxic condition in young men

Exercise and hypoxia are the most important factors to influence vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This study was aimed at assess serum level of VEGF and heart rate after crawl swimming with controlled breath as well as Snorkel in young men.

Ten male swimmers participated in this study. Heart rate was measured immediately before and after each repetition and one minute after the end of each exercise. Blood samples were taken immediately before, 2 and 48 hours after each exercise. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance with repeated measures and post hoc Bonferroni test with a statistical significance level of p<0.05.

Both swimming exercises, were led to a significant increase of serum level of VEGF immediately after exercise (p=0.0001). It returned to baseline level 2 and 48h after the exercise (p=0.99, both). Heart rate increased significantly after each exercise (p=0.0001). Furthermore, no significant differences were found in serum level of VEGF (p=0.30) and heart rate (p=0.98) between the two exercises.

One session of crawl with controlled breath and Snorkel increases serum level of VEGF by hypoxia and the heart rate enhancing. These findings might be a new insight into the molecular process include increase of capillary density and consequently increase of aerobic capacity created in response to such training. Based on the findings, these trainings can be recommended for swimmers.