Abstract
Introduction Sedentary behavior (SB) is highly prevalent among older adults, with more than 25% engaging in 6 hours or more of SB daily. SB has been associated with several cardiometabolic biomarkers in younger adults; however, there is a paucity of research in older populations. This study examined associations between patterns of SB and cardiometabolic biomarkers in community-dwelling adults aged 55 years and older. Methods Data were drawn from a convenience sample of 54 community-dwelling individuals (12 males, 42 females; mean age = 72.6 ± 6.8 years, range = 56–89 years). Cardiometabolic biomarkers assessed included systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body mass index, waist circumference, and fasting blood glucose and cholesterol parameters. SB was assessed via accelerometry over a 7-day period, and measures included daily time in SB, number and length of sedentary bouts, the number and length of breaks between sedentary bouts, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and light physical activity (LPA). Associations between the SB measures and each cardiometabolic risk factor were examined using separate stepwise multiple regression models, controlling for sex, MVPA, and accelerometer wear time. Isotemporal substitution models were used to examine the change in cardiometabolic outcomes when SB is replaced by an equal duration of either LPA or MVPA. Results Adjusted regression analyses showed that daily sedentary time was positively associated with DBP (β = 0.052, ∆R2 = 0.112, p = 0.022) and inversely associated with HDL cholesterol (β = −0.111, ∆R2 = 0.121, p = 0.039). Sedentary bout length was also associated with DBP and HDL cholesterol (β = 0.575, ∆R2 = 0.152, p = 0.007; β = −1.529, ∆R2 = 0.196, p = 0.007, respectively). Replacement of 10 minutes of SB a day with LPA was associated with improved DBP and HDL cholesterol (p ≤ 0.05). No other significant associations (p ≤ 0.05) were found. Conclusion Sitting for prolonged periods of time without interruption is unfavorably associated with DBP and HDL cholesterol. Prospective studies should identify causal relationships and observe specific changes in cardiometabolic profiles in older populations.
Highlights
Sedentary behavior (SB) is highly prevalent among older adults, with more than 25% engaging in 6 hours or more of SB daily
E participant characteristics are summarized in Table 1. e majority of participants were White (78%), had completed at least one postsecondary degree (74%), and reported an annual household income of more than $90,000 per year (39%). e majority of participants rated their health as “very good” or “excellent” (70%) while at least 50% had elevated blood pressure (55.6%) and/or elevated waist circumference (WC) (50%). e mean body mass index (BMI) and WC were 25.9 ± 4.5 kg/m2 and 90.4 ± 13.9 cm, respectively, while SBP and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) averaged 134.1 ± 18.2 mmHg and 74.9 ± 9.0 mmHg, respectively. e mean high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and total cholesterol (TC) concentrations were 52.5 ± 17.0 mg/dL and 174.7 ± 35.7 mg/dL, respectively, and fasting GLU averaged 95.8 ± 14.3 mg/dL
Even without complete blood data for all participants, close to 30% of participants were classified as having 3 or more cardiometabolic risk factors, and more than 25% met the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome
Summary
Sedentary behavior (SB) is highly prevalent among older adults, with more than 25% engaging in 6 hours or more of SB daily. Is study examined associations between patterns of SB and cardiometabolic biomarkers in communitydwelling adults aged 55 years and older. Sarcopenic changes in the muscle are associated with a decline in resting metabolic rate and glucose metabolism, contributing to increased fat accumulation and insulin resistance [3, 4]. Over time, these changes may negatively affect blood pressure, metabolic function, and overall cardiovascular health [3, 4]. Erefore, the high prevalence of sedentary behavior (SB) among older adults is of significant concern as it likely contributes to the minimization of time spent in PA. This is likely a more achievable and realistic goal than increasing time spent in MVPA [10]
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