Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome

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Low and moderate, rather than high intensity strength exercise induces benefit regarding plasma lipid profile

Fabio S Lira1,2*, Alex S Yamashita1*, Marco C Uchida1,3, Nelo E Zanchi1,4, Bruno Gualano4, Eivor Martins1, Erico C Caperuto1,5 and Marília Seelaender1

Author Affiliations

1 Molecular Biology of the Cell Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of São Paulo, Brazil

2 Department of Physiology, Division of Nutrition Physiology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

3 Department of Biological Sciences and Health, UniFIEO, São Paulo, Brazil

4 Laboratory of Applied Nutrition and Metabolism, Physical Education and Sport School, University of São Paulo, Brazil

5 Mackenzie Presbiterian University, São Paulo, Brazil

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Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome 2010, 2:31 doi:10.1186/1758-5996-2-31

Published: 21 May 2010

Abstract

Background

The effects of chronic aerobic exercise upon lipid profile has been previously demonstrated, but few studies showed this effect under resistance exercise conditions.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of different resistance exercise loads on blood lipids.

Methods

Thirty healthy, untrained male volunteers were allocated randomly into four groups based at different percentages of one repetition maximum (1 RM); 50%-1 RM, 75%-1 RM, 90%-1 RM, and 110%-1 RM. The total volume (sets × reps × load) of the exercise was equalized. The lipid profile (Triglycerides [TG], HDL-cholesterol [HDL-c], LDL-cholesterol, and Total cholesterol) was determined at rest and after 1, 24, 48 and 72 h of resistance exercise.

Results

The 75%-1 RM group demonstrated greater TG reduction when compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the 110%-1 RM group presented an increased TG concentration when compared to 50% and 75% groups (p = 0.01, p = 0.01, respectively). HDL-c concentration was significantly greater after resistance exercise in 50%-1 RM and 75%-1 RM when compared to 110%-1 RM group (p = 0.004 and p = 0.03, respectively). Accordingly, the 50%-1 RM group had greater HDL-c concentration than 110%-1 RM group after 48 h (p = 0.05) and 72 h (p = 0.004), respectively. Finally, The 50% group has showed lesser LDL-c concentration than 110% group after 24 h (p = 0.007). No significant difference was found in Total Cholesterol concentrations.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the acute resistance exercise may induce changes in lipid profile in a specific-intensity manner. Overall, low and moderate exercise intensities appear to be promoting more benefits on lipid profile than high intensity. Long term studies should confirm these findings.