Abstract
Biomarkers have been postulated as essential variables to measure the effects of exercise on the human body. To investigate the relationship between physical fitness (PF) and blood biomarkers that are associated with disease risk in Spanish older adults, four hundred and twenty-nine adults (57% females) aged older than 55 years from a cross-sectional study were included. A battery of PF test was performed, and participants were divided into 3 groups: low, medium and high fitness. Blood samples were collected, and subjects were also grouped based on a particular biomarker being within its reference range. Furthermore, drug intake and dietary intake were considered for each participant. Higher concentrations out of the reference range were observed for vitamin 25(OH)D (67.9%) and total cholesterol (TC) (58.6%). Participants from the low PF group presented lower significant concentrations out of the reference range for vitamin B12 and triglycerides; however, participants in the low PF group showed higher significant concentrations out of the reference range for total homocysteine, creatinine, TC, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c) than those in the high PF group (all p<0.05). Considering drugs related to blood lipid modifications, subjects who regularly consumed lipid reducers presented higher significant concentrations out of the reference range for TC and LDL-c than participants who did not take these drugs (p<0.01). Participants from the high PF group presented better blood marker profiles, namely, lower blood markers related to disease risk out of the reference range. These blood markers could be used as a routine method for considering PF groups in older adults.
Highlights
There is an increasing need to evaluate health-related aspects that can be modified by regular physical exercise [1] to provide new evidence and strategies to achieve healthy aging [2]
The pro-healthy effects of regular physical activity (PA) are well-documented [6,7], and previous studies have revealed that physical fitness (PF) is a crucial independent predictor of mortality [8,9]
PF mixes most of the body functions that are involved in the performance of daily PA [11]
Summary
There is an increasing need to evaluate health-related aspects (i.e., biomarkers) that can be modified by regular physical exercise [1] to provide new evidence and strategies to achieve healthy aging [2]. Aging phenomena are linked with an increased risk of cognitive dysfunction [3] and chronic diseases [4], among other issues. Both factors contribute to changes in motor function and impairments in physical performance in the older adult population. These changes could affect the ability to perform daily activities in this type of population [5]. Decreases in PF are related to several negative health effects [12], and biomarkers have been proposed as essential health markers to evaluate the effects of physical exercise on the human body [1,13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
