Aerobic Capacity and Postprandial Flow Mediated Dilation

Authors

Kevin D. Ballard†, Department of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292Follow
James J. Miller‡, School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292Follow
James H. Robinson†, Department of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292Follow
Jennifer L. Olive‡, Department of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292Follow

Abstract

The consumption of a high-fat meal induces transient vascular dysfunction. Aerobic exercise enhances vascular function in healthy individuals. Our purpose was to determine if different levels of aerobic capacity impact vascular function, as measured by flow mediated dilation, following a high-fat meal. Flow mediated dilation of the brachial artery was determined before, two- and four-hours postprandial a high-fat meal in young males classified as highly trained (n = 10; VO2max = 74.6 ± 5.2 ml·kg·min-1) or moderately active (n = 10; VO2max = 47.3 ± 7.1 ml·kg·min-1). Flow mediated dilation was reduced at two- (p < 0.001) and four-hours (p < 0.001) compared to baseline for both groups but was not different between groups at any time point (p = 0.108). Triglycerides and insulin increased at two- (p < 0.001) and four-hours (p < 0.05) in both groups. LDL-C was reduced at four-hours (p = 0.05) in highly trained subjects, and two- and four-hours (p ≤ 0.01) in moderately active subjects. HDL-C decreased at two- (p = 0.024) and four-hours (p = 0.014) in both groups. Glucose increased at two-hours postprandial for both groups (p = 0.003). Our results indicate that a high-fat meal results in reduced endothelium-dependent vasodilation in highly trained and moderately active individuals with no difference between groups. Thus, high aerobic capacity does not protect against transient reductions in vascular function after the ingestion of a single high-fat meal compared to individuals who are moderately active.

Recommended Citation

Ballard†, Kevin D.; Miller‡, James J.; Robinson†, James H.; and Olive‡, Jennifer L. (2008) "Aerobic Capacity and Postprandial Flow Mediated Dilation," International Journal of Exercise Science: Vol. 1 : Iss. 4.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijes/vol1/iss4/4