CHANGES IN VO2MAX, PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY, AND BODY-FAT WITH CHRONIC EXERCISE - EFFECTS ON PLASMA-LIPIDS

0The effect of changes in physical activity levels during chronic exer cise on plasma lipids and lipoproteins has not been reported. We exami ne the relationships between changes in VO2max, leisure time physical activity (LTPA), and percent body fat on changes in plasma lipids and lipoproteins in 137 men without coronary artery disease (CAD) and/or d yslipidemia, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus who participated in an employee exercise program. Measurements obtained at (sic) entry (sic) and 1- and 4-yr follow-up include VO2max, LTPA in kcal.wk(-1), percen t body fat, and plasma lipids and lipoproteins. The relationship betwe en changes in the measurements between 1 and 4 yr of follow-up (N = 34 ) revealed the following significant (P < 0.05) correlations: i) chang es in VO2max with changes in percent body fat (r = -0.289) and changes in plasma triglycerides (r = -0.354), ii) changes in LTPA with change s in percent body fat (-0.361), and iii) changes in percent body fat w ith changes in the total/high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol ra tio (0.358), HDL-cholesterol (-0.212), and triglycerides (0.289). Mult iple regression analysis revealed that changes in percent body fat aff ected changes in plasma triglycerides (P < 0.05). The effects of chron ic physical activity on plasma triglycerides appear to result from exe rcise-related effects on body adiposity. These findings support the ro le of regular physical activity as mandated by Healthy People 2000 for CAD risk reduction.