Influence of sport participation on blood lipids and lipoproteins in competitive female athletes

Abstract

Cross‐sectional data on 67 competitive female athletes representing seven Division I sports were examined for serum lipids and lipoproteins, body composition, and dietary intake as well as a control group consisting of demographically similar yet inactive women. Sports included cross‐country, gymnastics, swimming, basketball, volleyball, golf, and tennis. Results indicated that all groups were similar for age, height, and weight. Of the athletes, only the gymnasts and cross‐country runners had a significantly lower group mean percent body fat (p ≤ 0.05) than the control group. Analysis of variance indicated a significant group mean difference in serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) concentration (p ≤ 0.05) between a female group athlete and control group subject. Each of the athletic groups had a significantly higher serum HDL‐C concentration than the control group. When the athletic groups were compared, the group mean cross‐country runners' serum HDL‐C concentration was significantly higher than any other athletic group. In addition, the serum triglyceride (TG) concentration was found to be lower for all athletic groups compared with the control group. The cross‐country runners group also had a significantly lower group mean serum TG concentration compared with the other athletic groups. The same was found for the serum total cholesterol to HDL ratio. The cross‐country runners group had a significantly lower risk ratio than the other groups of athletes. All athletic groups had a significantly lower risk ratio than the control group. No difference in nutrient intake was found between any two groups. These data suggest that regular physical activity may influence serum lipid and lipoprotein concentration and body composition positively in groups of female athletes and that the change appears to be effected, in part, by sport‐specific training.