Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1988

Thesis Director

Benjamin F. Timson

Abstract

The independent and combined effects of exercise training and caloric restriction on the plasma concentration of lipid and lipoprotein was studied. Thirty-two female volunteers were assigned to one of three treatment groups; exercise only, diet only or diet plus exercise. The exercise only group participated in a walk/jog program three days per week. For 30 to 45 minutes these individuals either walked or jogged at a intensity which elicited a heart rate that was 70% of the max heart rate reserve. The diet only group participated in a behavior modification weight loss program which restricted caloric intake to 1200 kcals per day. The combined diet and exercise group participated in both of the above programs. Only 38% of the of the initial 32 subjects fully completed the 12 week study. The diet and diet plus exercise treatments elicited the greatest (p < 0.05) amount of weight loss. Weight loss for these two groups averaged 7.3 and 4.4 kgs respectively. The amount of fat weight in these two groups was also significantly reduced (p < 0.05), while no change was observed in lean body mass for any of the treatment groups. Maximal oxygen consumption (L/min) was only increased in the exercise only group. This group demonstrated an 11% increase from pretreatment values. However, when oxygen consumption was expressed per kilogram of body weight, significant (p < 0.05) increases in maximal oxygen consumption were observe in all three treatment groups. The effects of exercise, caloric restriction, or a combination of these two treatments on the blood lipid profile were minimal. No changes in the plasma concentration of cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, and low density lipoprotein from pretreatment values were observed. In conclusion, exercise (70% max HR reserve) and weight loss (1200 kcal/day) independently and combined produced changes in body weight and maximal aerobic capacity. However, these three treatments were not sufficient enough to produce changes in the blood lipid profiles of 12 female volunteers.

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