The Effect of Exercise Intensity on Post Exercise Hexose Absorption

Abstract

The effects of exercise intensity on post-exercise measures of intestinal permeability and absorption in sedentary and in active young men were examined in this study. Measures were compared bewteen rest, low intensity and high intensity interval exercise interventions. In spite of the exercise interventions being matched for work output, the high intensity interval intervention caused an increase in blood lactate and respiratory exchange ratio during the performance of exercise. No between intervention effect was found in hexose absorption. Active individuals had greater passive transcellular absorption (as measured with mannitol) than sedentary individuals after 2 hours of measurement. Significant differences in hunger measures were found between sedentary and active participants, with active participants recording increased measures of hunger. In conclusion, the hypothesis that that exercise intensity modulates post-exercise hexose absorption was not confirmed. However, measures of intestinal permeability suggest differences in digestive tract function may exist between sedentary and active individuals.