The Relationship Between Submaximal Exercise, Oxidative Stress, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) Levels as Indicators of Health and Physiological Adaptation in Athletes : A Litera-ture Review

Physical training is a crucial component in enhancing athletic performance, with sub-maximal exercise being widely utilized. While submaximal exercise contributes to im-proved physiological capacity and bodily adaptation, it can also trigger oxidative stress, characterized by increased production of free radicals. One of the primary biomarkers of oxidative stress is malondialdehyde (MDA), a by-product of lipid peroxidation, commonly used to assess cellular damage. This study aims to examine the relationship between submaximal exercise, oxidative stress, and MDA levels, and their implications for athlete health and physiological adaptation through a literature review approach. A systematic search of relevant literature was conducted across databases such as PubMed, ScienceDi-rect, and Google Scholar, covering publications from 2018 to 2025. From 221 initial arti-cles, 11 were selected based on inclusion criteria. The findings indicate that High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and functional training can enhance the body's antioxidant status and reduce MDA levels. Additionally, nutritional interventions, such as the administra-tion of octacosanol and herbal drinks, also contributed to lowering oxidative stress and improving athlete health profiles. These findings suggest that a combination of appropri-ate physical training and nutritional support is effective in managing oxidative stress and enhancing performance. However, further research with robust longitudinal designs and more diverse populations is needed to validate these findings and develop more compre-hensive intervention guidelines. A deeper understanding of oxidative stress mechanisms is essential for designing optimal training programs that support both athletic perfor-mance and long-term health.