ABSTRACT
This study investigated the effect of a 12 week programme of moderate intensity interval training on serum total cholesterol (TC), serum triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), TCIHDL-C, TC/HDL-C LDLC/HDL-C ratios and body fat variables which include Body Mass Index, Conicity Index, Waist to hip circumferences, and waist to hip ratio (WHR) in an untrained adults ages 18-25 years. The participants were randomly assigned to experimental group (N18) or a control group (N18). The participants in the experimental group underwent a 12 week interval training in brisk walk, jogging and running (1:1iwork-rest ratio) 3 times for 12 weeks at a moderate intensity of 70% maximal heart rate. Results showed that there were significant reduction in serum total cholesterol (TC), (P < 0.01), triglycerides (P> 0.01), TG/HDL-C ratio (P 0.01) waist circumference (P 0.01) and significant increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (P> 0.05) but no changes were shown in low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), waist to hip ratio, Body Mass Index and Conicity Index with interval training. Therefore, based on the findings of this study, the researcher recommended that Nigerian Adult males should always participate in regular interval training programmes of low to moderate intensity to reduce the chances of cardiovascular disease risk factors and to maintain health and fitness for productivity in the general population.