Abstract
Increased lipid levels are one of the major risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of short-term (8 weeks) aerobic exercise of moderate to vigorous intensity on lipid profile in young healthy females. 27 female students (mean age 20.5 ± 1 year) completed 8 weeks of aerobic training that included two exercise sessions of continuous aerobic activity of moderate intensity (running 35-60 min) and one exercise session with interval training of vigorous intensity. Intervention aerobic capacity and lipid profile were examined before and after the exercise. Exercise intervention has caused a decrease of low density lipoprotein levels per 9.8% (from 2.52 ± 0.47 to 2.27 ± 0.53 mmol/L; p < 0.001) and significant improvement of high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels per 22.7% (from 1.29 ± 0.24 to 1.59 ± 0.24 mmol/L; p < 0.001), total cholesterol/HDL ratio per 17.2 % and aerobic capacity (VO2max) per 3.8 % (43.9 ± 3.7 to 45.56 ± 3.63 mLO2/kg/min). The results support the hypothesis that a short-term aerobic exercise intervention of moderate to vigorous intensity may have significant effects on blood lipid profile in young healthy females.
Highlights
Hypercholesterolemia is an important risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease and stroke [1, 2]
Exercise intervention has caused a decrease of low density lipoprotein levels per 9.8% and significant improvement of high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels per 22.7%, total cholesterol/HDL ratio per 17.2 % and aerobic capacity (VO2 max) per 3.8 % (43.9 ± 3.7 to 45.56 ± 3.63 mLO2/kg/min)
The results support the hypothesis that a short-term aerobic exercise intervention of moderate to vigorous intensity may have significant effects on blood lipid profile in young healthy females
Summary
Hypercholesterolemia is an important risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease and stroke [1, 2]. According to the American Heart Association, 54% of adult Europeans aged > 25 suffer from increased cholesterol levels higher than 5.17 mmol/L [3]. Decreasing of LowDensity Lipoprotein (LDL) levels over a lifetime for 1 mmol/L is associated with a 55 % lower risk for cardiovascular diseases [4]. Among different forms of physical activity, the authors have highlighted the importance of aerobic exercise. Walking and running are the cyclical activities most used to develop aerobic fitness, which is important physical ability for health. Developing interest in a healthy population for this form of physical activity is important in order to include it in their everyday life as an integral component of a healthy lifestyle
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