Vahid Nikbakht - Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
Mohammad Asadi Golzar - Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
Ali Kazemi - Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
Neda Khaledi - Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
Zahra Hagebrahimi - Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

Background and Aim: Exposure to microgravity conditions is associated with changes in the cardiovascular system. Physical activities are employed to reduce deleterious physiologic effects of long-duration microgravity exposure. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of endurance training on serum levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) under simulated microgravity condition. Materials and Methods: A total of ۴۲ male Wistar rats were randomly selected and divided into five groups of SST (suspension and suspension training, n=۱۰), SET (suspension and endurance training, n=۶), S (suspension without training, n=۱۰), ET (endurance training, n=۶), and C (control, n=۱۰). Serum VEGF levels were measured by ELISA kit before and after training. One-way ANOVA with a Bonferroni post hoc analysis was employed to test the research hypothesis. Results: Our results showed that six weeks of endurance training in simulated microgravity increased serum VEGF levels in the SST group compared to the S and control groups (P≤۰.۰۰۱), while six weeks resting in simulated microgravity condition did not significantly affect serum levels of VEGF (P>۰.۹۹۹). Conclusion: Endurance training in simulated microgravity could affect VEGF and angiogenesis. In addition, endurance training in simulated weightlessness condition could be effective in rehabilitating patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Weightlessness, Vascular Endothelial, Growth Factor (VEGF), Endurance training, Hindlimb suspension