High intensity interval training Vs Cholesterol?

THE EFFECT OF A HIGH-INTENSITY INTERVAL
TRAINING PROGRAM ON HIGH-DENSITY
LIPOPROTEIN CHOLESTEROL IN YOUNG MEN

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
2009 National Strength and Conditioning Association
VOLUME 23 NUMBER 2 MARCH 2009

ABSTRACT
Musa, DI, Adeniran, SA, Dikko, AU, and Sayers, SP. The effect
of a high-intensity interval training program on high-density
lipoprotein cholesterol in young men. J Strength Cond Res
23(2): 587–592, 2009—This study examined the impact of an
8-week program of high-intensity interval training on highdensity
lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC),
and the atherogenic index (TC/HDL-C) in 36 untrained men
ages 21–36 years. Participants were randomly assigned to an
interval training group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 16).
Participants in the experimental group performed 3.2 km of
interval running (1:1 work:rest ratio) 3 times a week for 8 weeks
at an intensity of 90% of maximal heart rate (~423 kcal per
session). Results indicated significant pre- to posttraining
changes in HDL-C (1.1 vs. 1.3 mmol
L21, p , 0.0001) and TC/
HDL-C (3.8 vs. 3.1, p , 0.0001) but no significant changes in
TC (3.9 vs. 3.8 mmol
L21, p . 0.05) with interval training. It was
concluded that an 8-week program of high-intensity interval
training is effective in eliciting favorable changes in HDL-C and
TC/HDL-C but not TC in young adult men with normal TC
levels. Our findings support the recommendations of highintensity
interval training as an alternative mode of exercise to
improve blood lipid profiles for individuals with acceptable
physical fitness levels.