Abstract
Background and aimsThis study examined associations between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) across adulthood (from age 36) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) biomarkers at age 60–64. MethodsLTPA was reported by study participants from the MRC National Survey of Health and Development at ages 36, 43, 53 and 60–64 (n = 1754) and categorised as inactive, moderately active (1–4/month) or most active (5+/month) at each age. Linear regression was used to examine associations between a cumulative adulthood LTPA score (range = 0–8), and change in LTPA between ages 36 and 60–64 (i.e. always inactive, became inactive, became active, always active) and inflammatory [C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6)], endothelial [tissue-Plasminogen Activator (t-PA), E-selectin] and adipokine [leptin, adiponectin] measures extracted from overnight fasting blood samples at age 60–64. ResultsThe more active a participant was over adulthood, the better their biomarker profile, e.g. fully-adjusted difference in t-PA (both sexes) and adiponectin (women) per unit increase in the LTPA score (95% confidence interval) = −2.2% (−3.6; −0.8) and 2.0% (0.2; 3.8). Those that became active at age 60–64 showed slightly healthier biomarker profiles than those that became inactive [e.g. fully-adjusted difference in IL-6 = −9.9% (−23.9; 4.1) vs. −3.8% (−12.4; 4.8)], although the best profiles were seen for those always active [IL-6: −15.0% (−24.2; −5.7)], when compared with the always inactive group. ConclusionsGreater accumulation of LTPA across adulthood was associated with a more favourable CVD biomarker profile in early old age. Earlier uptake and long-term maintenance of LTPA may provide the greatest benefits for CVD prevention.
Highlights
Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) of moderate-to-vigorous intensity has consistently been shown to lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) [1,2] and premature mortality from CVD [2e4]; the world's leading cause of death [5e7]
A further two participants were excluded for not having any leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) measures at any adult age and 322 for incomplete data on covariates, leaving a total of 1754 participants (51.1% female) with data on least one measure of LTPA and one or more biomarker in addition to complete data on all covariates (Table 1). When compared with those excluded due to missing data on biomarkers, higher proportions of those with data on one or more biomarker were female (51.1% vs. 45.7%) and in occupational classes I&II (49.4% vs. 33.5%) while lower proportions were current smokers (10.8% vs. 14.9%) and had diabetes (6.8% vs. 9.7%). Those with data on one or more biomarkers were more active in LTPA across adulthood but there were no differences by Body mass index (BMI), hypertension, or CVD diagnoses
Our findings suggest a beneficial effect of long-term LTPA on leptin in men and women and adiponectin in women only
Summary
Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) of moderate-to-vigorous intensity has consistently been shown to lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) [1,2] and premature mortality from CVD [2e4]; the world's leading cause of death [5e7]. Linear regression was used to examine associations between a cumulative adulthood LTPA score (range 1⁄4 0e8), and change in LTPA between ages 36 and 60 e64 (i.e. always inactive, became inactive, became active, always active) and inflammatory [C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6)], endothelial [tissue-Plasminogen Activator (t-PA), E-selectin] and adipokine [leptin, adiponectin] measures extracted from overnight fasting blood samples at age 60e64. Results: The more active a participant was over adulthood, the better their biomarker profile, e.g. fullyadjusted difference in t-PA (both sexes) and adiponectin (women) per unit increase in the LTPA score (95% confidence interval) 1⁄4 À2.2% (À3.6; À0.8) and 2.0% (0.2; 3.8) Those that became active at age 60 e64 showed slightly healthier biomarker profiles than those that became inactive [e.g. fully-adjusted difference in IL-6 1⁄4 À9.9% (À23.9; 4.1) vs À3.8% (À12.4; 4.8)], the best profiles were seen for those always active [IL-6: À15.0% (À24.2; À5.7)], when compared with the always inactive group. Earlier uptake and long-term maintenance of LTPA may provide the greatest benefits for CVD prevention
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