Effects of Long-Term Exercise of Moderate Intensity on Anthropometric Values and Serum Lipids and Lipoproteins

Abstract

The influence of endurance training on serum lipids and lipoproteins was investigated in 20 sedentary males and 14 sedentary females. The total group was trained 3 to 4 times a week for 9 months. After 24 weeks all subjects ran a 15 km-race and after 36 weeks a half-marathon (21 km) race. Anthropometric values were determined before and after the training programme. Blood samples were drawn before the start of the training programme and, in order to avoid the measurement of acute effects, 5 days before both races. In the male group, median body weight and body mass were significantly decreased (p < 0.01) after nine months of training, while in the female group body weight and body mass index remained essentially unchanged. Percentage body fat, measured by skinfold thickness was significantly decreased in both groups at the end of the training programme. During the training period, median serum total cholesterol, low density lipid cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in the male group, while in the female population the median serum lipid-and lipoprotein concentrations did not differ from pre-training values. The changes in serum lipids or lipoproteins did not correlate significantly with changes in body weight, body mass index or percentage body fat. Stepwise multiple regression showed that these changes were mostly dependent on initial concentrations in serum. Finally, no significant increase in median high density lipid cholesterol was observed in either the male or female group. In conclusion, the results from our study demonstrate that prolonged physical conditioning of moderate intensity has beneficial effects on lipid and lipoprotein concentrations of male runners, but does not essentially influence lipid and lipoprotein profiles in female runners.

Effects of long-term moderate exercise and increase in number of daily steps on serum lipids in women: randomised controlled trial [ISRCTN21921919]

“…It is possible to assume that a woman close to menopausal age would not obstruct the improvement of serum lipids through exercise. Moreover, the results obtained showed that the most influential factor was each initial value marking the improvement of TC: HDLC ratio and LPO; there are similar reports by others [6,10,30-32]. Consequently, we arrive at the conclusion that exercise is very useful for women around menopause not only to prevent the value from deteriorating but also to return the levels that have already deteriorated.…”

“…It has been clarified that exercise can bring the serum lipids to an acceptable range [4-8]. However, with respect to the sex difference, the effect of exercise is more difficult to be detected in women compared with men [6,9,10]. Also, Motoyama et al .…”

Regular Physical Activity and Changes in Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease: A Nine Months Prospective Study

“…The results of the present study focus on the important interplay between primary risk factors, like blood pressure and lipid levels with fibrinolysis (54). The changes in the haemostatic, fibrinolytic and lipid status as a result of long-term training programme has been separately discussed before (56)(57)(58)(59). The fall in plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor levels, observed in both men and women and the significant decrease in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triacylglycerols in the group of men after nine months of training are known favourable effects of physical conditioning (26,27,30,33,63).…”

Association of dietary pattern and physical activity level with triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio among adults in Jiangsu, China: a cross-sectional study with sex-specific differences

“…For example, the low-glycemic-load diet was reported to be beneficial in lowering TG and increasing HDL-C, as well as improving plasma glucose control among diabetic patients [10,11]. In addition, several studies with small sample sizes have indicated that increased levels of physical activity could lower total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and increase HDL-C [12][13][14]. In addition, being physically active has been associated with reduced risk of many chronic diseases, such as cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis [15].…”