Individual Blood Lipid and Apolipoprotein Responses to A Single Bout of High Intensity Functional Training

Individual variability in the severity of dyslipidemia likely leads to the inconsistency of acute lipid responses to exercise. Our understanding of this inconsistency is limited, as research traditionally does not report individual responses. For optimal individualized exercise prescription to treat dyslipidemia, disclosure of the distinct responses is needed to improve our understanding. Purpose: To demonstrate proof-of-concept by reporting the individual profile, blood lipid and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) responses to a single bout of high intensity functional training (HIFT) in adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: Four participants with MetS were studied. After measurement of V02peak, participants underwent three weeks of HIFT familiarization. Following familiarization, participants were tested on three consecutive mornings after a 12 hour fast: day 1 - assessment of resting energy expenditure (EE) and baseline (BL) blood lipids; day 2 - EE of a single HIFT bout, followed by immediate assessment (IPE) of blood lipids; day 3 - assessment of blood lipids 24 hours later (24PE). Results: There was considerable variation in lipid and ApoB responses across all four participants (see Figure 1). For example, percent change in low-density lipoprotein triglyceride from BL to IPE and from IPE to 24PE, ranged from -49% to +53%, and -8% to +32%, respectively. Conclusion: Despite MetS among all participants, blood lipid and ApoB responses varied. Our findings support the concept that exercise prescription to treat dyslipidemia warrants inquiry into individual responses.