Effects of interval and continuous running on HDL-cholesterol, apoproteins A-1 and B, and LCAT.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of interval and continuous exercise programs on plasma lipoproteins, apoproteins, and lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT). Thirty-six college male students (age 18-25 yrs.) were randomly assigned to a 5 mile continuous exercise group, 4 minute interval (1:1, work:rest), 2 minute interval (1:1-1/2, work:rest), or control. Workloads were equated by kcal expenditure/workout. The training groups exercised for one hour three times a week for 11 weeks. Neither interval or continuous exercise programs significantly altered plasma total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apoprotein A-1 (Apo A-1), apoprotein B (Apo B), or LCAT. Posttest maximal oxygen consumption was significantly higher than pretest for the 4 minute interval and 5 mile continuous groups. Thus continuous exercise and long interval programs resulted in gains in aerobic capacity, but none of the training programs were effective in altering the plasma lipoproteins or apoproteins investigated.