The effect of exercise in a fasted-state on plasma LDL cholesterol concentrations in males and females

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Physical activity interventions improve almost all modifiable CVD risk factors, however the effect of physical activity on low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is uncertain. This may be due to lack of research on the feeding status in which the physical activity is performed. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of fasted versus fed exercise on LDL-C concentrations in males and females. One hundred healthy participants, equal males and females, aged between 25 and 60 years will be recruited and will undergo a home based 12-week exercise intervention. After baseline testing, participants will be randomised to a fasted exercise (exercise after an 8-h fast) or fed exercise (exercise 90-180 min after ingestion of 1 gkg-1 CHO) group and will perform 50 minutes of moderate intensity exercise (e.g. 95 % heart rate of lactate threshold 1) 3 times a week either before or after a high carbohydrate (1 gkg-1) meal. Participants will visit the laboratory again at week 4 and week 12 and measurements taken for body composition, resting blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, lipid profiles and systemic inflammation, lactate threshold and 14-day blood glucose control.