ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the relation between physical activity and the lipoprotein metabolism in children and adolescents. It discusses the methods for estimating the physical activity of children and the relations between physical activity and the lipoprotein metabolism in children. In children, training increases the aerobic power and physical fitness as well as influences the body composition in such a way that the lean body mass is preserved. Epidemiological studies in adults have shown certain associations between the degree of physical activity and the serum lipids. The serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels tend to be lower in those engaged with more physical activity. The serum cholesterol and beta lipoprotein cholesterol were negatively associated with the physical activity index for the boys, but not for the girls. The experimental design and multifactorial interrelations between habitual activity, physical fitness, nutritional status, growth, and serum lipids must be taken into account when the lipid patterns are related to physical training in children.
