Oxidative stress is an integral component in the pathology of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of global mortality. Metabolic disturbances observed during postprandial hypertriglyceridemia have been identified as an independent risk factor within the aetiology of this disease, mainly via oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory mechanisms. Physical exercise has shown promising signs in ameliorating the symptoms of cardiovascular disease, but its role in the generation of oxidative stress, inflammation and associated molecular damage to lipids, protein and DNA is not fully understood. The principal aim of this thesis is to examine the transient effects of differing walking exercise trials on free radical metabolism, inflammation and subsequent molecular damage over time, in conditions of fasting and metabolic disturbance.