Effect of physical training on serum lipids and serum HDL cholesterol in young men

To examine the effect of physical training on serum lipoproteins and lipids a group of 54 young males participated in a longitudinal study. The participants underwent a supervised physical training programme for 12 weeks. Initially and at the end of the training period the group was exercise-tested on an ergometric bicycle, performed a 12-min run test, and had blood samples drawn for determination of serum lipoproteins and lipids. Although maximum oxygen uptake (P less than 0.001) and the distance run (P less than 0.01) were significantly increased after physical training, we found virtually unchanged body weight and serum levels of HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides. It is suggested that the previously described effects of physical training on HDL cholesterol is caused by a body weight reduction rather than changes in physical condition.