The Influence of Intense Intermittent versus Moderate Continuous Exercise on Postprandial Lipemia

Abstract

Postprandial lipemia (PPL) is characterized by increased concentration of circulating lipids, which occurred after the intake of fat is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Exercise is known to positively influence postprandial lipemia. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of intense intermittent versus moderate continuous exercise with same energy expenditure in PPL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty healthy men (age 21.5±3.5yr) after an exhaustive test underwent in three random-ordered trials, separated by 48h at least: no exercise (control), intense intermittent (INT-EX) and moderate continuous exercise (CON-EX) to expenditure of energy 500kcal, which were completed 30-min before high-fat meal (HFM) (1g fat/kg weight). Venous blood samples were obtained before HFM, and at 1, 2, 3 and 4h after HFM. PPL was analyzed using the area under the curve (AUC) and the kinetics of lipid variables in postprandial period. Statistical significance was accepted at the P<0.05 level. Data were analyzed with SPSS, version 11.5. RESULTS: INT-EX and CON-EX were effective in attenuate at 2, 3 and 4h postprandial triglycerides (TG). TG AUC was lower in INT-EX (15.4%) and CON-EX (18%), and insulin AUC was lower in INT-EX (21.3%) and CON-EX (25%) compared with control. Postprandial very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) was attenuated in INT-EX at 2, 3, and 4h, and VLDL AUC (13%) but no CON-EX. CONCLUSION: We concluded that INT-EX or CON-EX with energy expenditure of 500kcal is completed 30-min before ingestion of HFM, attenuates PPL in physically active men. Keywords: postprandial lipemia, continuous exercise, intermittent exercise, energy expenditure.