Association between Number of Days of Muscle Strengthening Activity and Serum Lipid: The Seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2016–2018

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: According to Statistics Korea estimates (2016), the mortality rate associated with heart disease is 41.1%. Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for heart disease and warrants timely treatment. Muscle strengthening activity is one of the best therapeutic interventions for low-risk treatment groups. This study aimed to investigate the association between the number of days of muscle strengthening activity and serum lipid levels.METHODS: We analyzed data obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2018). Subjects were categorized into 3 groups based on the number of days of muscle strengthening activity performed (never, 1–2 days, ≥3 days). The association between muscle strengthening activity and serum lipid levels was determined using covariance analysis after adjusting for variables.RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed among the 3 groups with respect to serum triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels (P=0.007 and 0.047, respectively). However, no significant differences were observed in the total serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P=0.824 and 0.396, respectively).CONCLUSION: A statistically significant difference was observed among the 3 groups with respect to serum triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol levels. This is a significant observation and serves as the rationale for the inclusion of muscle strengthening activity in the Korean guidelines for the management of dyslipidemia (2015). Further studies are warranted to conclusively establish the optimal quantity and quality of physical activity required for individuals with dyslipidemia.