Abstract

This study was designed to compare intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) changes during 60 min of submaximal exercise in men and women. Eighteen moderately active (18–38 yr) men (n = 9) and women (n = 9) were recruited. Maximum oxygen consumption (V̇O2max) and body composition were used to match subjects for aerobic fitness and body composition. Subjects performed cycle ergometry for 1 h at 65% of V̇O2max. Expired gases were collected throughout exercise to determine caloric expenditure and substrate use. Blood samples were collected before and after exercise to evaluate markers of lipid metabolism. Pre- and postexercise proton spectra were acquired from the vastus lateralis using a 3-T whole-body imaging system. Spectra were acquired from an 18-mm3 region of interest (echo time = 45 msec; repetition time = 2000 msec) for IMCL evaluation. IMCL decreased significantly with exercise (11.5–28.5% for men and 17.1–21.7% for women) (P < 0.05); however, there were no significant differences between men and women. Although changes were found for many plasma variables [free fatty acids, glycerol, and norepinephrine (P < 0.05)], group differences were only evident for norepinephrine. In conclusion, a significant decrease in IMCL was observed during 60 min of cycling in matched men and women.

You do not currently have access to this article.