Acute Changes in Plasma Lipid Levels after an Endurance Triathlon Competition in Young Physical Education Students

Abstract

Purpose

The literature has failed to adequately report the effect of triathlon on general health. The current study aimed to assess the effects of an endurance triathlon competition on serum lipid profile.

Methods

Fourteen recreational triathletes being physical education students completed a short-distance triathlon competition (750 m swimming, 20 km cycling, and 5 km running). Blood collection was carried out before and just after the race.

Results

In comparison with rest, exercise resulted in decreased levels of triglyceride (TGL) (22.9%, p < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (2.5%, p < 0.01), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (3.3%, p < 0.05), and increased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (8%, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our study highlighted that the endurance triathlon competition improved blood lipid profile, which confirms the positive effects of such exercise on serum lipid metabolism and its probable role in preventing cardiovascular risks.