AEROBIC EXERCISE AS A NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTION FOR IMPROVING HAEMOGLOBIN LEVELS AND BLOOD GLUCOSE REGULATION IN SEDENTARY ADULTS

Authors

  • Philip Nisha Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, St. Teresa’s College (Autonomous), Ernakulam, India
  • Binu George Varghese Dean and Director, Prof. (Dr.), SPESS, Mahatma Gandhi University, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejpe.v13i4.6750

Keywords:

aerobic exercise, haemoglobin, blood glucose, sedentary lifestyle, non-pharmacological intervention, glycaemic control, physical activity, metabolic health

Abstract

The present study examined the effectiveness of aerobic exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention for improving haemoglobin levels and regulating fasting blood glucose among sedentary adult females. A total of 40 sedentary participants aged 25–45 years were randomly assigned into an aerobic training group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). The experimental group underwent a 12-week moderate-intensity aerobic training program, while the control group did not participate in any structured physical activity. Haemoglobin concentration and fasting blood glucose levels were measured before and after the intervention. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, paired sample t-tests, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results revealed a significant increase in haemoglobin levels (t (19) = 13.89, p = .001) and a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels (t (19) = 13.43, p = .001) in the aerobic group. In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes in blood glucose levels. ANCOVA results indicated significant differences between groups in post-test scores after adjusting for baseline values (p = .001). The findings suggest that aerobic exercise is an effective, low-cost, and non-pharmacological strategy for improving both haematological and metabolic health in sedentary adults. Regular participation in aerobic exercise is recommended as a preventive and therapeutic approach for managing lifestyle-related health conditions.

Author Biographies

  • Philip Nisha, Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, St. Teresa’s College (Autonomous), Ernakulam, India

    Smt. Nisha Philip is currently working as an Assistant Professor of Physical Education at St. Teresa’s College (Autonomous), Ernakulam, Kerala, India.

  • Binu George Varghese, Dean and Director, Prof. (Dr.), SPESS, Mahatma Gandhi University, India

    Prof. (Dr.) Binu George Varghese is the Dean and Director of the School of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India, where he completed his advanced academic qualifications in Physical Education. He is a research supervisor at the university, having supervised six scholars to completion and currently supervising eight more. He continues his research and professional work in sports science, exercise physiology, physical fitness, athletic performance, kinesiology, and sports training. He has been the head of university sports development programs and has actively contributed to academic research and professional activities in the field of physical education and sports sciences.

    ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6223- 4652

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Published

2026-05-27

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 4 (2026)

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