Acute effects of treadmill running on lipoprotein(a) levels in males and females.

This investigation examined the acute response of serum lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) concentration immediately after, and during several days following, level and downhill motorized treadmill running. Eight males ran for 1 h on a level motorized treadmill at an intensity producing 90% maximum heart rate (MHR). On a separate occasion, three males and three females performed downhill (negative 13.4% incline) treadmill running at an intensity producing 75-80% MHR. For both protocols, serial blood samples were taken pre- and post-exercise and at the same time of day 1, 3, 5, and 7 days following exercise. Levels of Lp(a), creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein (CRP), and ferritin were measured. Repeated measures statistical analysis (Friedman ANOVA) showed no significant change in the median level of Lp(a) (level run, 5.0 mg.dl-1; downhill run, 7.45 mg.dl-1) across time following either protocol. After level running, ferritin levels 5 and 7 d post-exercise were significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared with immediately and 1 d post-exercise measures (Friedman ANOVA). Following level running, the Wilcoxon signed rank test showed significant (P < 0.05) elevations in CK levels immediately, 1 and 5 d post-exercise compared with pre-exercise values. Following downhill running. CK level was significantly elevated up to 3 d post-exercise (Wilcoxon signed rank). Calculated plasma volume did not change significantly following either protocol. These data suggest that Lp(a) does not change acutely in response to level or downhill treadmill running up to 60 min duration.