ABSTRACT
To study and compare the effects of light, moderate and vigorous intensity exercise on serum total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TGs], low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-c] and high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-c] levels in hyperlipidemic adults. To evaluate the level of minimum physical activity required to keep the lipid profile under the desirable limits in hyperlipidemic adults in local population. The effects of increased physical activity is related to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, possibly due to improvement in the lipoprotein profile. Case control study. This study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, BMSI, JPMC, Karachi from January 2012 to April 2012. Total of 120 volunteers moderately active, young hyperlipidemic adults, aged 30 to 50 years, thirty for each A [control], B, C and D for low, moderate and high intensity exercise respectively were assigned to participate for 12 weeks exercise program without restricted caloric diet at pre-identified track of specific time. Lipids profile and age, sex, BMI and lab investigations like serum TC, TG, LDL, HDL, of each participant were recorded at baseline and similarly on day 30, 60 and day 90. There was a beneficial effect of exercise by lowering the level of lipid and lipoproteins variables, seen most clearly in moderate and high intensity of exercise with increasing the level of HDL but no significant effects were observed with the low intensity exercise. These results indicate that the low intensity exercise has no beneficial effects in lowering the lipid and lipoproteins levels in hyperlipidemic adults but moderate and high intensity exercise has lipid and lipoproteins lowering effects with increasing the level of HDL significantly in hyperlipidemic young adults