Effectiveness of unsupervised and supervised high intensity physical training in normalizing serum lipids in men with...

The effect of high intensity physical training (HIPT), conducted in an unsupervised (group A) or supervised (group B) setting, was studied in 23 middle-aged men with Type IV hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP). Following 10 weeks of HIPT intervention, significant metabolic changes were observed such as reductions in both fasting triglyceride and insulin levels, but no changes in fasting serum cholesterol or glucagon levels were found. Other favorable results noted included a significant improvement in physical fitness, as measured by increases in aerobic power, and a decrease in body fatness with only minimal weight losses. There were no significant differences in the results when groups A and B were compared. It was concluded that HIPT is an effective means of lowering fasting triglyceride and insulin levels in Type IV HLP individuals. In addition, such physical training programs can be conducted in either an unsupervised or supervised setting, provided the subjects are highly motivated.