Abstract
BackgroundMajor cardiovascular disorders are being recognized earlier in life. In this study we examined the effects of swimming and soccer training on male adolescent lipid-lipoprotein profiles relative to a maturity matched control group to determine the effects of these exercises on specific cardiovascular risk and anti-risk factors.MethodsForty five adolescent males (11.81 ± 1.38 yr) including swimmers (SW), soccer players (SO), and non-athlete, physically active individuals as controls (C), participated in this study. Training groups completed 12-wk exercise programs on three non-consecutive days per week. Plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), apolipoprotein B (apoB), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) levels were measured in control, pre-training, during-training, and post-training.ResultsIn response to the 12-wk training period, the SO group demonstrated a decrease in the mean LDL level compared to the SW and C (SW: 0.15%; SO: −9.51%; C: 19.59%; p < 0.001) groups. There was an increase in both the SW and SO groups vs. the control in mean HDL (SW: 5.66%; SO: 3.07%; C: −7.21%; p < 0.05) and apoA-I (SW: 3.86%; SO: 5.48%; C: −1.01%; p < 0.05). ApoB was considerably lower in the training groups vs. control (SW: −9.52%; SO: −13.87%; C: 21.09%; p < 0.05). ApoA-I/apoB ratio was significantly higher in training groups vs. control (SW: 16.74%; SO: 23.71%; C: −17.35%; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between groups for other factors.ConclusionsThe favorable alterations in LDL, HDL, apoA-I, and apoB observed in the training groups suggest that both regular swimming or soccer exercise can potentially mitigate cardiovascular risk in adolescent males.
Highlights
Major cardiovascular disorders are being recognized earlier in life
The presence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in adults increases with elevated levels of low-density lipoproteincholesterol (LDL-C) and decreases with elevated levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) [9]
An overall reduction in High-density lipoprotein (HDL)-C and apolipoprotein A-I in CHD subjects compared with controls is highly correlated with triglyceride (TG) levels and CHD risk [14,15]
Summary
Major cardiovascular disorders are being recognized earlier in life. In this study we examined the effects of swimming and soccer training on male adolescent lipid-lipoprotein profiles relative to a maturity matched control group to determine the effects of these exercises on specific cardiovascular risk and anti-risk factors. Though major cardiovascular events typically occur in adults, it has been demonstrated that the associated risk factors often develop early in life. An overall reduction in HDL-C and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) in CHD subjects compared with controls is highly correlated with triglyceride (TG) levels and CHD risk [14,15]. Apolipoproteins, which are another important marker for CHD risk, may enhance CHD evaluation over conventional lipids [16]. The ratio of apolipoprotein B (apoB) and apoA-I has been considered a strong CVD risk marker/ factor due to the interaction of these proteins with LDL and HDL respectively [16]. Higher levels of cardiovascular anti-risk factors and lower levels of risk factors have been consistently reported for more active or fit individuals [17]
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