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Review
. 2014 Feb;44(2):211-21.
doi: 10.1007/s40279-013-0110-5.

Differential effects of aerobic exercise, resistance training and combined exercise modalities on cholesterol and the lipid profile: review, synthesis and recommendations

Steven Mann  1 , Christopher Beedie, Alfonso Jimenez
Affiliations
Review

Differential effects of aerobic exercise, resistance training and combined exercise modalities on cholesterol and the lipid profile: review, synthesis and recommendations

Steven Mann et al. Sports Med. 2014 Feb.

Abstract

There is a direct relationship between chronically elevated cholesterol levels (dyslipidaemia) and coronary heart disease. A reduction in total cholesterol is considered the gold standard in preventative cardiovascular medicine. Exercise has been shown to have positive impacts on the pathogenesis, symptomatology and physical fitness of individuals with dyslipidaemia, and to reduce cholesterol levels. The optimal mode, frequency, intensity and duration of exercise for improvement of cholesterol levels are, however, yet to be identified. This review assesses the evidence from 13 published investigations and two review articles that have addressed the effects of aerobic exercise, resistance training and combined aerobic and resistance training on cholesterol levels and the lipid profile. The data included in this review confirm the beneficial effects of regular activity on cholesterol levels and describe the impacts of differing volumes and intensities of exercise upon different types of cholesterol. Evidence-based exercise recommendations are presented, aimed at facilitating the prescription and delivery of interventions in order to optimize cholesterol levels.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The reverse cholesterol transport pathway delivers free cholesterol from macrophages or other cells to the liver or intestine for excretion. The process is regulated by enzymes such as lecithin-cholesterol acyltrans (LCAT) and cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP). ApoA-1 apolipoprotein A-1, CE cholesterol esters, HDL high-density lipoprotein, HL hepatic lipase, LDLR low-density lipoprotein receptor, ndHDL nascent discoidal high-density lipoprotein, PLPT phospholipid transfer protein. From Ohashi et al. [25] by permission of Oxford University Press
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Article selection criteria and literature search methodology. ORA original research article, RCT randomized controlled trial
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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