Abstract

  Background and Aim: Thalassemia is a heterogeneous group of genetic anemia. It is caused due to deficiency in the construction of one or more globin clusters. Regarding the prevalence of Thalassemia in Iran and the effect of exercise activities on blood indices of the healthy people, this study aimed at investigating the effect of aerobic activities on iron status and the hematological indices in girls with β Thalassemia minor conducted.

  Materials and Methods: This study is a semi-experimental one. In this study, 8 girls with β Thalassemia minor, (17 to 23 years old) were selected voluntarily based on research criteria. The effect of 8 weeks of aerobic exercise including 5 sessions in each week, each session last 40 to 50 minutes with intensity of 50- 65% maximum heart rate storage on iron status. Also, their hematological indices were studied. Further, 8 persons who didn’t participate in exercise protocol were chosen as control group. Before beginning and at the end of 8 weeks, blood samples were taken from the participants. For data analysis, SPSS software V.16 was used employing t-student tests.

  Results: After 8 weeks of aerobic exercise, a significant reduction in Ferritin indices and a significant increase in blood total iron binding capacity of girls with β Thalassemia minor were seen (p>0.05) and no other hematological indices significant change was seen in both experimental and control group (p<0.05 ( .

  Conclusion: Aerobic exercise can cause a reduction in Ferritin and increase iron binding capacity (T I B C) in girls with Thalassemia minor.