Comparison the effect of 8 weeks endurance versus resistance exercise on sdLDL concentration in military men

Small dense low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (sdLDL) is an emerging biomarker associated with cardiovascular disease and several comorbidities. The effects of aerobic versus resistance exercise on sdLDL levels are not well known; thus the aim of present study was to investigate effect of 8 weeks aerobic vs. resistance exercise on sdLDL concentration in military men.

Twenty two military men volunteered to participate in this study. The subjects were divided into endurance (n=11) or resistance (n=11) exercise group randomly. The subjects in the endurance exercise group were performed 8 weeks aerobic exercise with 60 to 75% of their hear rate reserve 3 days a week, while the subjects in resistance exercise group were performed resistance training consisted of eight exercises (chest press, triceps extension, latissimus pull down, shoulder press, arm curls, leg extension, leg curls, and curl-up) of 6-12 maximal repetitions with 3 sets at 65-80% of 1RM for 8 weeks. Blood samples were taken at baseline and 48h after the last session of exercise.

The results showed that sdLDL, TC, TG and LDL decreased and HDL increased only after endurance training. Data also revealed that there were significant differences in changes of sdLDL, TC, LDL and HDL concentration between endurance and resistance exercise.

The results suggest endurance exercise is better than resistance exercise to reduce sdLDL, TC, LDL and increase HDL concentration in the military men.