Prior arm-crank exercise has no effect on postprandial lipaemia in nondisabled adults

Abstract

A single bout of cycling or running performed in the evening can reduce postprandial lipaemia (PPL) the following morning, although this is currently unknown for upper-body exercise. The aim of this study was to determine if a bout of arm crank exercise (high-intensity interval [HIIE] or moderate-intensity continuous [MICE]), can attenuate PPL in non-injured individuals. Eleven healthy and recreationally active participants (eight males, three females; age: 27 ± 7 yr; body mass index: 23.5 ± 2.5 kg · m-2) volunteered to participate in three trials: HIIE (10 x 60 s at 80% peak power output), MICE (50% peak power output of isocaloric duration), and a no-exercise control condition. Each exercise bout was performed at 18:00, and participants consumed a standardized evening meal at 20:00. Following an overnight fast, a 5-h mixed-macronutrient tolerance test was performed at 08:00. There were no significant differences in triglyceride incremental area under the curve between HIIE (192 ± 94 mmol. L-1 per 300 min), MICE (184 ± 111 mmol. L-1 per 300 min), and the no-exercise condition (175 ± 90 mmol. L-1 per 300 min) (P=0.46). There were no significant differences in incremental area under the curve for glucose (P=0.91) or insulin (P=0.59) between conditions. Upper-body MICE and HIIE performed in the evening do not influence PPL the following morning, in normotriglyceridemic individuals. Clinical Trials Registration: NCT04277091 Novelty: • Arm crank exercise has no effect on PPL when performed the evening prior to a mixed-macronutrient meal test • Upper-body sprint interval exercise should be investigated as a potential solution to reduce PPL.