Accumulating short bouts of running exercise throughout the day reduces postprandial plasma triacylglycerol concentrations and resting blood pressure in healthy young men

Background: This study examined the effect of accumulating short bouts of exercise on postprandial plasma triacylglycerol and resting blood pressure in healthy young men. Methods: Nineteen subjects underwent two 2-d trials in a randomized counterbalanced order. On day 1, subjects either rested or performed multiple 6 min running bouts (30 min rest between each) until they had accumulated an energy expenditure of 4.2 MJ (1000 kcal). On day 2, subjects rested and consumed test meals for breakfast and lunch. Blood pressure was measured throughout days 1 and 2. Venous blood samples were obtained throughout day 2. Results: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was lower for the exercise compared with the control trial on day 1. Postprandial plasma triacylglycerol concentrations and systolic blood pressure were lower throughout day 2 on the exercise compared with the control trial. Conclusion: Accumulating short bouts of exercise throughout the day may modify cardiovascular disease risk.