Effects of post-meal resistance exercise on postprandial glycaemia in healthy young men

An unhealthy diet can contribute to elevated glucose concentrations in the body. The resultant metabolic stress due to elevated postprandial glycaemia (PPG) concentrations is a major risk factor for obesity, Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The most effective time to perform resistance exercise (RE) is limited with little studies done, while most other studies examined pre-meal RE. The aim of the present study was to examine the acute effects of post-meal RE on PPG concentrations. Ten healthy males age 24.9 (SD 1.1) years old completed two 1-d trials, RE and control, at least 1 week apart in a counterbalanced randomized design. In each trial, participants ingested a test meal (10.1kcal (42kJ) kg-1 body mass) and rested for 30 min before performing a 60 min bout of RE or remained inactive (control). Blood samples were collected and analyzed for PPG concentrations at baseline, 25, 120, 180 and 240 min. Postprandial glucose iAUC was 139% lower during RE trial compared to control trial (79.53 (118.85) vs 190.05 (143.72) mmol/L w 240 min, respectively; p = 0.038). The pattern of mean PPG concentrations was significantly different between trials over time: trial x time interaction (p = 0.043). Mean PPG concentration at 120 min was significantly lower on the RE compared to control trial (Holm-Bonferroni t-test, p=0.008). Results of this study indicate a single bout of RE performed during the postprandial period reduces PPG concentrations in healthy young men and support physical activity recommendations to perform RE regularly for better metabolic health.Bachelor of Science (Sport Science and Management