The effects of accumulating physical activity on postprandial lipaemia and other cardiovascular disease risk factors

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death in many developed countries. Impaired clearance of postprandial triacylglycerol, small increases in blood pressure and elevated C-reactive protein concentrations (a marker for inflammation) have been associated with an increase in cardiovascular disease risk. To reduce such risk factors, the unique concept of accumulating physical activity was introduced to the general public, advising that activity can be performed in several short bouts throughout the day with a minimum duration of 10 minutes per activity bout. Although there is evidence to support the benefits of accumulating exercise on health, little is known regarding the health effects of accumulating exercise in bouts lasting less than 10 minutes. The broad theme of this thesis is therefore to investigate the effects of accumulating short (<10 minute) bouts of exercise throughout the day on postprandial lipaemia, an emerging risk marker for cardiovascular disease, and other cardiovascular disease risk markers including resting blood pressure and C-reactive protein. [Continues.]