Abstract MP83: Increases in Vigorous Physical Activity Improve Pulse Wave Velocity in Adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: The beneficial effects of vigorous physical activity (VPA) on arterial stiffness have been established, but the effect of changes in VPA over time on these vascular measures is unclear. Hypothesis: Increases in VPA will be associated with improvement in measures of arterial stiffness. Methods: As part of a longitudinal study of the effects of obesity & diabetes on cardiovascular health, 317 subjects (mean age 17.2 years at baseline, 38% male, 63% non-Caucasian) were enrolled and followed up 5 years later. Anthropometrics, accelerometer-measured physical activity, blood pressure, central and peripheral measures of arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity (PWV), brachial distensibility (BrachD), and augmentation index (AI)), and blood (lipids & metabolic tests) were collected. General linear modeling was performed to test for the independent relationship of change in VPA with change of arterial stiffness. Results: Overall, VPA increased slightly (0.2 minutes) from baseline to follow up. Increased VPA from baseline to follow up was significantly associated (P = 0.0364) with a decrease in PWV but was not associated with a change in BrachD nor AI. The effect of change in VPA on change in PWV was independent of change in glucose (P = 0.024), but not independent of changes in BMI, blood pressure, lipids, or CRP. Conclusions: Increase in vigorous physical activity during late adolescence is significantly associated with improved pulse wave velocity. This relationship may be mediated through improvements in other cardiovascular risk factors such as body mass index, blood pressure, and lipids.