Effects of Acute Reduced-Exertion High-Intensity Interval Training and Vigorous-Intensity Exercise on the Advanced Lipid Profile

Introduction: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the United States. In recent years, it has been reported that traditional lipid measurements may not be adequate to identify plaque accumulation and subsequent vessel occlusion in spite of lipid profiles falling within normal ranges (Shaheen et al 2014). Physical activity is undoubtedly associated with lowering risks of cardiovascular disease, however, the ideal intensity or amount of exercise has yet to be determined. The purpose of this crossover study was to examine the acute effects of exercise on apolipoproteins and particle size. Methods: Four male participants (age 40.25±13.1 yr, Ht 193.6±6.16 cm, Wt 102.93±11.54 kg) volunteered for this study, participating in pre-testing and two acute exercise bouts (ventilatory threshold (VT2) and reduced exertion high intensity interval training (REHIT)). Biological variability was calculated via coefficients of variation, and P value was set a <0.05. Results: Although no statistical significance was found, the REHIT session elicited greater effects than the VT2 bout. Decreases in TC, apoB, LDLC were seen following both acute exercise sessions. HDLC increased with both interventions and insulin increased with REHIT. Conclusion: This study showed REHIT is an effective exercise intervention in acutely altering lipids and increasing insulin. Biological variability permitted increased confidence that changes in the key outcome were attributable to the acute bouts of exercise rather than day-to-day variability and/or measurement error. Increases in insulin shows to be a key to favor lipid changes acutely.