Abstract

Introduction: Physical exercise in the fasting state has been a controversial topic; however, some studies have shown a greater loss of body fat and better glycemic control in those who participate in aerobic training when fasting. Aim: To evaluate the glycemic response after a session of moderate or vigorous physical exercise in young women in the state of fasting. Material and method: A randomized clinical trial was carried out. Twenty-six women (19 to 22 years old) were randomly assigned to two intervention groups. The first group was trained at an intensity of 70% of maximum heart rate (MHR) for 30 minutes, and the second group at an intensity of 90% MHR for 15 minutes. Height (cm), weight (Kg), body mass index (BMI), fat percentage, and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) during a stress test were evaluated. Blood glucose levels were checked before and after the exercise session of each group. Results: No significant changes were found in post-exercise blood glucose levels in any experimental group, and the existing differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Moderate or vigorous physical exercise during fasting did not show significant variations in blood glucose, which suggests that it is safe for healthy young women to train when fasting.