The effect of physical conditioning on serum lipids and lipoproteins in white male adolescents

Abstract

This study was designed to measure the effect of physical conditioning on the serum lipid and lipoprotein levels of white male adolescents. Fifty white males, ages 11-17 yr, underwent pre-test evaluations including physical measurements, physical activity levels, nutritional intake, physical working capacity, and fasting serum lipid and lipoprotein levels. Each subject was randomly assigned to a physical conditioning group or to a control group. There were no statistically significant differences in pre-test measurements. The physical conditioning group participated in an 8-wk progressive aerobic exercise program 30 min/d for 4 d each wk. The pre-test measurements were then repeated for both groups. Based on Student's t-test, the physical conditioning group had a significantly higher physical working capacity on the post-test than the control group. An analysis of covariance test showed no differences between the groups in the post-test serum lipid and lipoprotein levels. The results suggested that although the exercise program was strenuous enough to increase significantly the physical working capacity of the exercise group, it did not alter their serum lipid and lipoprotein levels during the 8-wk period.