High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Young Adult Weight Lifters, Runners, and Untrained Subjects

Document Type

Article

Authors

Priscilla M. Clarkson, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
Robert Hintermister, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
Michael Fillyaw, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
Louis Stylos, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts

Abstract

Serum total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein percent (HDL % ) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) were determined for 28 well trained weight lifters, six distance runners, and 17 controls. Serum total cholesterol was determined enzymatically; high density lipoprotein percentage was determined by agarose gel electrophoresis. The lipid profile of the weight trained athletes did not differ from controls. However, runners had significantly lower total cholesterol, higher HDL% and lower total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol. It has been reported that increased levels of HDL% and HDL cholesterol, and decreased levels of total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol are associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD ). Findings of the present study suggest persons involved in aerobic exercise demonstrate beneficially lower total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol levels while those involved in anaerobic exercise programs do not.

Recommended Citation

Clarkson, Priscilla M.; Hintermister, Robert; Fillyaw, Michael; and Stylos, Louis (1981) "High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Young Adult Weight Lifters, Runners, and Untrained Subjects," Human Biology: Vol. 53: Iss. 2, Article 7.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol53/iss2/7