Musculoskeletal Strength and Serum Lipid Levels in Men and Women

There currently is inconsistent information regarding the role that musculoskeletal strength (one component of musculoskeletal fitness) may have in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, and consequently the risk of cardiovascular disease. Results of existing studies have been conflicting and have been influenced by several weaknesses. We provide cross-sectional analyses of the relation between muscular strength and serum lipid and lipoprotein status in a group of 1,193 women and 5,460 men. The large proportion of patients were not involved in formal weight training. As part of a preventive medical examination, patients were tested for maximal upper and lower body strength (one repetition maximum (1RM) bench and leg press). Fasting serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), triglyceride (TG), and high density lipoprotein (HDLC) were evaluated for their relation to muscle strength, after adjusting for simultaneous associations with age, body composition, and cardiovascular fitness. Results showed no association between muscular strength and serum TC or LDLC for either men or women and a direct association between upper and lower body strength and TG in men. The direct association between strength and TG in women was not significant. A statistically significant inverse association was seen between muscular strength and HDLC in men only. These data suggest no beneficial effect, and perhaps an adverse association of muscular strength on lipid and lipoprotein status.