Inverse relationship between physical activity, adiposity, and arterial stiffness in healthy middle-aged subjects

Oscar Mac Ananey, Brendan McLoughlin, Ann Leonard, Lewena Maher, Peter Gaffney, Gerard Boran, Vincent Maher

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Background: Several obesity related factors are reported to exacerbate premature arterial stiffening, including inactivity and metabolic disarray. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between physical activity, arterial stiffness and adiposity using objective methods. To further explore the role of adiposity in this complex process, obesity associated anthropometric and humoral biomarkers were measured. Methods: Seventy-nine healthy, lifelong nonsmoking subjects were recruited. Habitual physical activity was measured using accelerometry. Arterial stiffness [augmentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV)] was measured using tonometry. Body composition was estimated using bioimpedence. Adipose associated biomarkers, leptin and adiponectin, were also measured. Results: Sedentary time was significantly associated with AIx (r = 0.38, P <.001), PWV (r = 0.33, P <.01), body fat composition (r = 0.40, P <.001) and age (r = 0.30, P <.01). Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was inversely correlated with AIx (r = -0.28, P <.05), body fat composition (r = -0.30, P <.01), postprandial insulin (r = -0.35, P <.01), and leptin/adiponectin ratio (r = -0.28, P <.05). MVPA, body fat composition, and postprandial insulin remained independent predictors of AIx but not PWV. Conclusion: The more time healthy individuals spend being sedentary, the greater their body fat and arterial stiffness. Conversely higher activity levels are associated with reduced body fat and less arterial stiffness.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1576-1581
    Number of pages6
    JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health
    Volume12
    Issue number12
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Dec 2015

    Keywords

    • Augmentation
    • Obesity
    • Pulse wave velocity

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Inverse relationship between physical activity, adiposity, and arterial stiffness in healthy middle-aged subjects'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this