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


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Lira
Fabio S
FS
Molecular Biology of the Cell Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of São Paulo, Brazil.|Department of Physiology, Division of Nutrition Physiology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Yamashita
Alex S
AS
Molecular Biology of the Cell Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Uchida
Marco C
MC
Molecular Biology of the Cell Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of São Paulo, Brazil.|Department of Biological Sciences and Health, UniFIEO, São Paulo, Brazil.
Zanchi
Nelo E
NE
Molecular Biology of the Cell Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of São Paulo, Brazil.|Laboratory of Applied Nutrition and Metabolism, Physical Education and Sport School, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Gualano
Bruno
B
Laboratory of Applied Nutrition and Metabolism, Physical Education and Sport School, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Martins
Eivor
E
Molecular Biology of the Cell Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Caperuto
Erico C
EC
Molecular Biology of the Cell Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of São Paulo, Brazil.|Mackenzie Presbiterian University, São Paulo, Brazil.
Seelaender
Marília
M
Molecular Biology of the Cell Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of São Paulo, Brazil.