EFFECTS OF TRAINING ON PLASMA FFA DURING EXERCISE IN WOMEN

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of training on plasma FFA concentrations in women during 60 min of work. All subjects (n=10) exercised at 55% of their initial VO2 max for 60 min on a bicycle ergometer. Five subjects then participated in a training program, consisting of bicycling five days per week for four weeks while five control subjects remained inactive. Following the training or control period, all 10 subjects repeated the initial 1-h test at the same absolute work load. The training program resulted in a 14% increase in VO2 max and a decreased resting HR (p<0.05). The submaximal exercise HR and R were also lower following training (p<0.05). Plasma FFA were significantly lower (p<0.05) during exercise in the experimental group following training. The average increase in plasma FFA during the 60 min bicycle test was 0.22 Μmol/l, from 0.48 Μmol/l at rest to 0.70 Μmol/l after 60 min of exercise prior to training. After training the same absolute work load resulted in an increased plasma FFA of only 0.10 Μmol/l from 0.29 to 0.39 Μmol/l. No significant changes due to training were observed for glycerol or lactate. The results suggest that the metabolic response of women is similar to men during exercise before and after training. Possible mechanisms for the decreased plasma FFA response after training are discussed. © 1979 Springer-Verlag.