Effect of a six month walking intervention on platelet function in older sedentary adults: A randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction: Atherosclerosis develops asymptomatically over many years and is the underlying driver in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease, ischaemic stroke and vascular dementia. Recent evidence has augmented the understanding of atherogenesis, and activated platelets are now known to be in the causal pathway of atherosclerosis, in addition to their pivotal role in acute thrombotic events in the later stages of vascular disease. The interaction between activated platelets and monocytes results in the formation of monocyte-platelet aggregates (MPAs), which provide a pathway for monocyte adhesion and infiltration into the sub-endothelial space, and initiates the release of pro-inflammatory mediators involved in atherosclerosis. The measurement of MPAs, rarely undertaken in previous studies, provides the most sensitive method to determine the activation of platelets in vivo. Regular participation in exercise can lower cardiovascular risk, but little is known regarding the impact of exercise training on platelet function or the presence of MPAs. Walking is a modality of exercise that allows sedentary individuals to meet current physical activity (PA) recommendations.