Malondialdehyde and Superoxide Dismutase in Athletes and Sedentary Individuals in Rivers State

Physical exercise modifies the oxidative stress status of the body with both protective and damaging effects depending on exercise type and intensity. This study compares serum malondialdehyde as a marker of lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase activity in competitive athletes and age-matched sedentary individuals in Rivers State, South South Nigeria. A cross-sectional comparative design was employed, recruiting 80 competitive athletes from a state sports institute and 80 sedentary individuals from the general population. Blood samples were collected during a rest phase at least 48 hours after the last bout of intense training. Biochemical assays were performed using standard colorimetric and enzymatic methods. Physical fitness was assessed by maximum oxygen uptake estimated from a submaximal exercise test. Dietary antioxidant intake was estimated from a food frequency questionnaire. The study tests the hypothesis that regular training is associated with an upregulation of antioxidant defence mechanisms compared to sedentary individuals. Findings will contribute to understanding the exercise-oxidative stress relationship in sub-Saharan African athletic populations and will inform nutritional strategies for athletes in South South Nigeria. Keywords: malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, exercise, oxidative stress, Rivers State.