Differential Effects of Aerobic Exercise, Resistance Training and Combined Exercise Modalities on Cholesterol and the Lipid Profile: Review, Synthesis and Recommendations

Steven Mann*, Christopher Beedie, Alfonso Jimenez

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalLiterature Reviewpeer-review

508 Citations (Scopus)
162 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

There is a direct relationship between chronically elevated cholesterol levels (dyslipidaemia) and coronary heart disease. A reduction in total cholesterol is considered the gold standard in preventative cardiovascular medicine. Exercise has been shown to have positive impacts on the pathogenesis, symptomatology and physical fitness of individuals with dyslipidaemia, and to reduce cholesterol levels. The optimal mode, frequency, intensity and duration of exercise for improvement of cholesterol levels are, however, yet to be identified. This review assesses the evidence from 13 published investigations and two review articles that have addressed the effects of aerobic exercise, resistance training and combined aerobic and resistance training on cholesterol levels and the lipid profile. The data included in this review confirm the beneficial effects of regular activity on cholesterol levels and describe the impacts of differing volumes and intensities of exercise upon different types of cholesterol. Evidence-based exercise recommendations are presented, aimed at facilitating the prescription and delivery of interventions in order to optimize cholesterol levels.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)211-221
Number of pages11
JournalSports Medicine
Volume44
Issue number2
Early online date31 Oct 2013
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01 Feb 2014

Keywords

  • DENSITY-LIPOPROTEIN CHOLESTEROL
  • CARDIOVASCULAR RISK-FACTORS
  • CORONARY-HEART-DISEASE
  • METABOLIC SYNDROME
  • PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY
  • CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS
  • BODY-COMPOSITION
  • ARTERY-DISEASE
  • BLOOD-LIPIDS
  • INTENSITY

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