Abstract
To evaluate how self-reported leisure-time physical activity (PA) changes during the adult life span, and to study how PA is related to cardiovascular risk factors using longitudinal studies. Several Swedish population-based longitudinal studies were used in the present study (PIVUS, ULSAM, SHE, and SHM, ranging from hundreds to 30,000 participants) to represent information across the adult life span in both sexes. Also, two cross-sectional studies were used as comparison (EpiHealth, LifeGene). PA was assessed by questionnaires on a four or five-level scale. Taking results from several samples into account, an increase in PA from middle-age up to 70 years was found in males, but not in females. Following age 70, a decline in PA was seen. Young adults reported both a higher proportion of sedentary behavior and a higher proportion high PA than the elderly. Females generally reported a lower PA at all ages. PA was mainly associated with serum triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol, but also weaker relationships with fasting glucose, blood pressure and BMI were found. These relationships were generally less strong in elderly subjects. Using data from multiple longitudinal samples the development of PA over the adult life span could be described in detail and the relationships between PA and cardiovascular risk factors were portrayed. In general, a higher or increased physical activity over time was associated with a more beneficial cardiovascular risk factor profile, especially lipid levels.
Highlights
Based on observational data, there is a general agreement that a high leisure time physical activity (PA) is beneficial in terms of future CVD [1, 2]
Taking results from several samples into account, an increase in PA from middle-age up to 70 years was found in males, but not in females
Females generally reported a lower PA at all ages
Summary
There is a general agreement that a high leisure time physical activity (PA) is beneficial in terms of future CVD [1, 2]. High cardiorespiratory fitness is dependent on biological and genetic factors that may be independent of physical activity [5]. In a large study including twins in different European countries, the heritability of PA in males and females was similar and ranged from 48% to 71% [6]. Such high heritability was confirmed in another twin study [7]. The estimated heritability of CVDs, like coronary heart disease, is somewhat lower (30–60%) [8]
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