Increased postprandial triacylglycerol concentrations following resistance exercise

Purpose: There is conflicting evidence as to whether a single bout of resistance exercise performed the day before a test meal can lower postprandial triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations. The present study examined the effect of a single session of resistance exercise, performed the same day as a test meal, on postprandial TAG concentrations in resistance-trained males. Methods: Ten healthy males aged 25 (SD 2.6) years performed two trials at least one-week apart in a counterbalanced randomized design. In each trial, participants consumed a test meal (0.89 g fat, 1.23 g carbohydrate, 0.4 g protein, 60 kJ, per kg body mass). Prior to one meal participants performed a 90-minute bout of resistance exercise. Prior to the other meal participants were inactive (control trial). Resistance exercise was performed using free weights and included 3 sets of 12 repetitions of each of 10 exercises. Sets were performed at 80% of 12-repetition maximum with a 3 minute work and rest interval. Venous blood samples were obtained in the fasted state and for 5 hours postprandially. Results: Total area under the plasma TAG concentration versus time curve was higher (Student’s t-test P=0.008) on the exercise than control trial (mean  SE: 11.76  1.64 versus 7.94  1.08 mmol•L-1•5 h; respectively). Total area under the plasma myoglobin concentration versus time curve was higher (Student’s t-test P=0.010) on the exercise than control trial (16.68  3.34 versus 6.80  0.64 nmol•L-1•5 h; respectively). Conclusion: A single bout of resistance exercise may cause a transient elevation in postprandial TAG concentrations. The elevations in plasma myoglobin suggest post-exercise muscle damage. Further investigation is needed to see if these findings are linked.