LIPOPROTEIN RESPONSE TO EXERCISE TRAINING AND A LOW-FAT DIET IN OLDERSUBJECTS WITH GLUCOSE-INTOLERANCE

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of aerobic exerc ise training (Ex), a low-fat diet (LF, 19% fat), or combined intervent ions (LF-Ex) on lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL, HDL, and VLDL) and trigl yceride (TG) concentrations in glucose-intolerant subjects while their weight was maintained. Baseline dietary fat and carbohydrate composit ion, body composition, body mass index, age, and lipoprotein cholester ol were not different among groups. Aerobic capacity increased in both exercise groups (P < 0.01) and remained unchanged in the LF group. Bo dy composition was unaltered and change in body weight (kg) was small: Ex, -0.8 +/- 0.4, (P < 0.05); LF, +0.4 +/- 0.4; (NS); LF-Ex, -1.4 +/- 0.4 (P < 0.0 1). Exercise alone did not significantly affect lipoprot ein cholesterol or TG concentrations. In LF and LF-Ex, respectively, d ecreases (P < 0.02) in total cholesterol (-0.66 +/- 0.24 and -0.42 +/- 0.21 mmol/L), HDL (-0.14 +/- 0.07 and -0.26 +/- 0.04), and LDL (-0.60 +/- 0.25 and -0.23 +/- 0.13) were seen after 12 wk, whereas VLDL and TG remained unchanged. Our data indicate that beneficial effects of ex ercise training on lipid indexes are not observed in subjects with imp aired glucose tolerance on either an average US diet or a low-fat diet if substantial changes in weight or body composition do not occur.