Abstract
Cross-sectional data on 19 long-distance runners (LD), 17 aerobic dancers (AD), 19 recreational joggers (RJ), and 15 inactive controls (IC) were examined for car-diovascular endurance and determination of plasma lipo-proteins. Subjects included premenopausal eumenorrheic females who were non-smokers and presently not using oral contraceptives.
Results indicated that all groups were similar in age, height and weight. Only the AD group had a signifi-cantly lower percent body fat (p < .001) than the other groups. The LD, AD and RJ groups had a significantly higher V̇O2max than the IC group (p < .05), and the LD and AD groups had a significantly higher V̇O2max than the RJ group (p < .05). Analysis of a one-day food log indicated that the only difference in diet among the groups was a significantly lower intake of total and monounsaturated fat in the AD group (p < .05) and a significantly lower intake of carbohydrates in the IC group than the AD group (p < .05). Analysis of plasma lipids revealed no significant differences in any lipid variables among the groups. These findings indicate that healthy premenopausal eumenorrheic females with similar physical characteristics also have similar plasma lipid profiles regardless of their physical activity level.
Key words
Premenopausal - eumenorrheic - lipids - activity
