Effects of low-intensity aerobic training on the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration in healthy elderly subjects

Abstract

The concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is inversely correlated with the risk of coronary heart disease. The effects of low-intensity aerobic training on serum HDL-C and other lipoprotein concentrations were examined in healthy elderly subjects. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups matched for sex, age, height, and weight. The training group (n = 20, 10 men and 10 women aged 67 ± 4 years) participated in a supervised physical exercise regimen using a bicycle ergometer at an intensity of 50% estimated maximal oxygen consumption (Vo 2max) for 60 minutes two to four times per week for 5 months. In contrast, the control group (n = 20, 10 men and 10 women aged 68 ± 4 years) did not perform any particular physical training. The training protocol resulted in significant increases in the Vo 2max ( P < .05), HDL-C, HDL 2-C, and HDL 2 -C HDL 3 -C ratio ( P < .01). The change in HDL 2-C ( r = .57, P < .01) and HDL 2-C/HDL 3-C ( r = .63, P < .01) was positively associated with an increase in the total exercise duration per week. In addition, the total weekly exercise duration also showed a significant positive relationship with HDL-C ( r = .75, P < .01), HDL 2-C ( r = .81, P < .01), and HDL 2-C/HDL 3-C ( r = .71, P < .01) after the training period. The changes in body weight and the Vo 2max were not significantly correlated with any lipid parameters. Low-intensity aerobic training may improve the profile of HDL-C and its subfractions in healthy elderly subjects. Also, the total exercise duration may be an important factor for improving HDL-C and HDL 2-C in elderly subjects.