International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences. 14/Mar/2022;35(4):500-10.

Effects of Physical Exercise on Lipid and Inflammatory Profile of Women Using Combined Oral Contraceptive: A Cross-Over Study

Vinícius Afonso Gomes , Marvyn de Santana do Sacramento , Lucas Mendes Santa Cecilia , Daniela Santos de Jesus , Juliane Santos Barbosa , Fernanda Oliveira Baptista de Almeida , Elaine Carvalho de Oliveira , Jefferson Petto

DOI: 10.36660/ijcs.20200399

Abstract

Background:

The use of combined oral contraceptives (COC) is a risk factor for atherosclerotic disease, and physical exercise can minimize this condition.

Objective:

To verify if high intensity interval training (HIIT) promotes changes in the lipid and inflammatory profile of women using COC.

Methods:

Sequential crossover study with women aged 20-30 years, classified as irregularly active by the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ), when using COC. A physical-clinical assessment was performed with anthropometric measurements, VO_2max, and analysis of lipid and inflammatory profile. Participants were divided into 2 groups: the initial intervention group (GII), which began practicing HIIT for 2 months, and the posterior intervention group (GIP), which remained inactive for the same period. The GII and GIP would then alternate their conditions. The collected data was divided into: Initial moment (IM), post-exercise moment (PEM) and post-inactivity (PIM). The statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, adopting a significance level of p <0.05 .

Results:

Twelve women were evaluated. After crossing the GII and GIP data, there was a difference in the C-reactive protein values between the IM of 4 (1.6-6.3 mg/dL) vs. PEM 2 (1.5-5 mg/dL); as well as between the PEM vs. the PIM= 4 (1.5-5.8 mg/dL), with a p -value = 0.04 in the comparisons. There was no change between the “moments” of the lipid profile, although it was possible to notice a reduction in resting HR and an increase in indirect VO_2max.

Conclusion:

The HIIT program was able to reduce the inflammatory profile, but it did not alter the lipid profile of irregularly active women using COC.