Effect of kinesiologic recreation on plasma lipoproteins and apolipoproteins in fertile women☆

Abstract 

The effect of physical exercise on lipid and apoprotein levels was studied in 31 healthy fertile women (mean age, 39.7 ± 2.3 years) working as civil servants and leading a mostly sedentary way of life (group 1). A control group consisted of 31 age-matched women (mean age, 39.2 ± 2.4 years) with a comparable life-style (group 2). Group 1 performed physical exercise for at least 30 minutes three times per week. They also climbed a 500-m hill at least once per week. The study lasted 6 months, ie, from May to November 1990. Changes in maximum oxygen consumption (Vo₂max), body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), and levels of lipids and apolipoproteins (apos) A-I and B were compared between the two groups of subjects. During the May–November period, the control group showed an increase in body weight (P < .02), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, HDL₃, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (P < .01) and a decrease in HDL₂ (P < .05). In contrast, group 1 did not show any increase in total cholesterol, and their body weight decreased (P < .01). Very—low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels decreased (P < .02), as did LDL cholesterol and HDL₂ levels (P < .05), whereas HDL cholesterol and HDL₃ levels increased (P < .01). There were no statistically significant changes in WHR and apo A-I level. The findings indicated possible seasonal variations in lipoprotein levels in group 2. In addition, programed kinesiologic recreation appeared to decrease levels of some atherogenic lipoproteins (LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and apo B in fertile women, which is known to prevent the onset of coronary heart disease.

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