Homocysteine and lipoprotein levels following resistance training in older adults.

This investigation examined the effect of 6 months of high- or low-intensity resistance exercise on serum homocysteine and lipoprotein (a) levels in adults aged 60-80 years. Forty-three men and women completed the study protocol. Subjects were randomly assigned to a control (n=10), low-intensity (LEX, n=18), or high-intensity (HEX, n=15) group. Subjects performed 6 months of resistance training at either 50% of their one-repetition maximum for 13 repetitions (LEX) or 80% of one-repetition maximum for eight repetitions (HEX) 3 times per week for 24 weeks. The load was increased by 5% when their rating of perceived exertion dropped below 18. One-repetition maximum; serum homocysteine; lipoprotein (a); total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; and dietary intake of vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid were measured pre- and poststudy. Upper and lower body strength significantly (p<0.05) increased for the LEX and HEX groups. Serum homocysteine decreased 5.30% and 5.34% for the LEX and HEX groups, respectively (p<0.05), but increased 6.1% for the control group. A significant increase in lipoprotein (a) levels was noted in the control and LEX groups from pre- to poststudy. No significant differences were noted either pre- or poststudy for total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or any dietary variables. These data indicate that significant reductions in serum levels of homocysteine in the elderly can be derived from resistance exercise training.