EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM EXERCISE OF MODERATE INTENSITY ON ANTHROPOMETRICVALUES AND SERUM-LIPIDS AND LIPOPROTEINS

The influence of endurance training on serum lipids and lipoproteins w as investigated in 20 sedentary males and 14 sedentary females. The to tal group was trained 3 to 4 times a week for 9 months. After 24 weeks all subjects ran a 15 km-race and after 36 weeks a half-marathon (21 km) race. Anthropometric values were determined before and after the t raining programme. Blood samples were drawn before the start of the tr aining programme and, in order to avoid the measurement of acute effec ts, 5 days before both races; In the male group, median body weight an d body mass were significantly decreased (p < 0.01) after nine months of training, while in the female group body weight and body mass index remained essentially unchanged. Percentage body fat, measured by skin fold thickness was significantly decreased in both groups at the end o f the training programme. During the training period, median serum tot al cholesterol, low density lipid cholesterol and triacylglycerol conc entrations decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in the male group, while in the female population the median serum lipid- and lipoprotein conc entrations did not differ from pre-training values. The changes in ser um lipids or lipoproteins did not correlate significantly with changes in body weight, body mass index or percentage body Fat. Stepwise mult iple regression showed that these changes were mostly dependent on ini tial concentrations in serum. Finally, no significant increase in medi an high density lipid cholesterol was observed in either the male or f emale group. In conclusion, the results from our study demonstrate tha t prolonged physical conditioning of moderate intensity has beneficial effects on lipid and lipoprotein concentrations of male runners, but does not essentially influence lipid and lipoprotein profiles in femal e runners.