Resistance exercise training is associated with decreases in serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in premenopausal women.
BACKGROUND
Aerobic exercise training is associated with reduced serum concentrations of triglycerides, increased concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and minimal changes in serum levels of total cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. There are few data on the effects of resistance exercise on blood lipid levels.


METHODS
Premenopausal women were randomly assigned to a supervised resistance exercise training program (n = 46) or a control group (n = 42) for 5 months. Serum was analyzed for levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. Body composition and dietary intake were also measured.


RESULTS
The exercise group showed a 0.33 +/- 0.03-mmol/L (mean +/- SE) decrease in total cholesterol level and a 0.36 +/- 0.001-mmol/L decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level that was significantly different from the control group. No significant changes were noted in serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or triglyceride levels in either group. Changes in body composition showed no significant correlations with changes in total cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. There were no significant differences in nutrient intake between the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
In healthy, premenopausal women, with normal baseline lipid profiles, 5 months of resistance exercise training was associated with significant decreases in serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations.
Boyden
T W
TW
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tucson, Ariz.
Pamenter
R W
RW
Going
S B
SB
Lohman
T G
TG
Hall
M C
MC
Houtkooper
L B
LB
Bunt
J C
JC
Ritenbaugh
C
C
Aickin
M
M
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D002784:Cholesterol