Body Awareness and Aerobic Exercise: Telomere Impact

Telomeres shorten with each replication cycle throughout cellular lifespan. While it is known that telomere length is age-dependent, numerous factors influencing telomere length have been identified. One such factor is the perception of stress created by the individual and their environment. It has been suggested that stress and depression can alter telomere structure by increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study is to preserve healthy telomere structure by controlling stress levels. In this context, Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT) exercises, known to be more effective than standard exercise approaches in reducing stress and depression, will be used as an alternative. There are no studies in the literature examining the effects of BBAT on epigenetic mechanisms. This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by comparing BBAT with aerobic exercise, which is recognized as one of the most effective exercise approaches for preserving telomere structure. Furthermore, the hypothesis that telomere length changes, observed over a long period in previous studies, can be achieved in a shorter time through BBAT-an approach known to be more effective in stress management based on mind-body principles-represents one of the unique aspects of this research. The study aims to provide valuable insights into identifying the most effective exercise approaches for influencing telomere length changes

Telomeres are specialized regions located at the ends of chromosomes that allow chromosomal replication. In most human somatic cells, telomeres naturally shorten with each successive cell division. While telomere shortening is known to be age-dependent, numerous internal and external factors that influence telomere length have been identified. Genetic factors, such as DNA methylation, contribute to internal factors, while external factors include lifestyle practices, such as diet and exercise, that induce epigenetic changes and facilitate genomic regulation.

High levels of stress are associated with shorter telomere length, as stressors can disrupt telomere structure through a series of chemical reactions. Consequently, lifestyle changes or interventions that reduce stress levels have been widely explored. The common focus of these studies involves factors that protect telomeres and regulate telomerase activity. This study aims to preserve healthy telomere structure by controlling stress levels.

Stressors change with age, and emotional distress, interpersonal rejection, financial concerns, and feelings of social exclusion in younger individuals are known to elevate stress levels. Additionally, younger individuals' psychological responses to stress tend to be more intense. This can directly affect emotional responses, behavioral coping, emotional regulation, and rumination. Since the core of stress lies in human perception and evaluation of experiences, how an individual interprets, assesses, and responds to these experiences becomes critical in stress management. Therefore, this study adopts an approach that addresses these factors for stress management.

Studies on telomere length changes associated with physical activity and exercise suggest that more active individuals tend to have longer telomeres. However, moderate activity levels have been associated with longer telomeres compared to inactive or excessively active individuals. Woo et al. did not find a difference in telomere length between inactive and active individuals, but their study focused on elderly populations.

Research on stress levels and telomere length has shown that individuals with lower stress levels tend to have longer telomeres. Likewise, meditation practices are reported to regulate psychological mediators by enhancing telomerase activity in immune cells. Blackburn's study found that chronic psychological stress, its perception, and high oxidative stress were associated with shorter telomeres, lower telomerase activity, and cell aging in healthy peripheral mononuclear blood cells.

Studies comparing exercise interventions have indicated that resistance training does not alter telomere length. Since endurance and resistance training did not produce changes in telomere length, alternative exercise approaches were proposed. While some studies suggest that short-term aerobic exercise does not change telomere length, aerobic exercise, both short and long term, is recognized as a significant exercise type that contributes to telomere elongation. Mind-body interventions to preserve telomere structure have been limited, with most research focusing on meditation and yoga. However, promising studies on meditation have been conducted, with one study showing telomere length increase after 12 weeks of meditation training.

Although telomere structure is primarily influenced by age and genetics, factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, lifestyle changes, diet, and chronic inflammatory processes can also affect telomere structure. Based on the existing literature, this study aims to investigate the effects of TBFT (Basic Body Awareness Therapy) and aerobic exercise on high-stress individuals, while controlling for secondary factors as much as possible, to determine the effectiveness of these exercises.

This study aims to track changes in telomere length in high-stress young individuals using standard aerobic exercise and basic body awareness exercises (BBAT).

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Be between the ages of 18-30,
* Not be obese (BMI \< 25 kg/m²),
* Not have a history of regular exercise or long-term exercise participation,
* Not have a history of smoking or alcohol use,
* Not have received hormone replacement therapy,
* Not be using antioxidant or multivitamin supplements,
* Not have a diagnosed acute or chronic inflammatory disease or any rheumatic condition,
* Be willing to participate in the study voluntarily

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having been diagnosed with a severe psychiatric disorder or using psychiatric medication,
* Having communication barriers,
* Having a history of smoking or alcohol use,
* Having a history of regular exercise,
* Having variable general nutrition habits,
* Having any other diseases related to the circulatory system, orthopedic, neurological, cardiac, and respiratory functions, such as diabetes, cholesterol, or heart failure,
* Being enrolled in another exercise program during the 12-week period within the assigned exercise group.