Effect Of Physical Activity Level Research Articles

Repeated Excessive Exercise Attenuates the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Exercise in Older Men.

Introduction/Purpose: A number of studies have investigated the effect of training with a moderate exercise dose (3–6 h/weekly) on the inflammatory profile in blood, and the data are inconsistent. Cross-sectional studies indicate a positive effect of physical activity level on inflammation levels and risk of metabolic disease. However, it is not clear whether this may be dose dependent and if very prolonged repeated exercise therefore may be beneficial for low-grade inflammation. Based on this we studied how excessive repeated prolonged exercise influenced low-grade inflammation and adipose tissue anti-inflammatory macrophage content in six older male recreationally trained cyclists. Low-grade inflammation and adipose tissue macrophage content were investigated in six older trained men (age: 61 ± 4 years; VO2peak: 48 ± 2 mL kg−1 min−1) following repeated prolonged exercise.Methods: Cycling was performed daily for 14 days covering in total 2,706 km (1,681 miles). Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was measured before and after the cycling. Duration and intensity of the exercise were determined from heart rates sampled during cycling. An adipose tissue biopsy from subcutaneous abdominal fat and a blood sample were obtained at rest in the overnight fasted state before and after the cycling. Anti-inflammatory adipose tissue macrophages (ATM) were immunohistochemically stained in cross sectional sections using a CD163 binding antibody. The ATM and adipocyte sizes were analyzed blindly.Results: The cyclists exercised daily for 10 h and 31 ± 37 min and average intensity was 53 ± 1% of VO2peak. Body weight remained unchanged and VO2peak decreased by 6 ± 2% (P = 0.04). Plasma inflammatory cytokines, TNFα and IL-18 remained unchanged, as did hsCRP, but plasma IL-6 increased significantly. CD163 macrophage content remained unchanged, as did adipocyte cell size. The HbA1c was not significantly decreased, but there was a trend (P < 0.07) toward an increased insulin resistance as estimated by the Quicki Index.Conclusion: The regular prolonged exercise did not influence abdominal adipose tissue inflammation, but the higher plasma IL-6 concentration concurrent with a trend toward higher insulin resistance and decreased VO2peak implies that the excessive amount of exercise probably attenuated the possible potential anti-inflammatory effects of exercise.

Cardiorespiratory fitness, but not physical activity, is associated with academic achievement in children and adolescents

Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and physical activity (PA) seem to have positive effects on academic achievement (AA), although in most studies, objective methods of assessment have not been used.Aim: To examine the associations of CRF and PA with AA.Subjects and methods: A sample of 640 youngsters (10–18 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. CRF was estimated with the 20-metre shuttle run test and PA was measured using accelerometers. School grades were used to describe AA using mathematics and native language final grades. The relationship between CRF and PA with AA was analysed using ANCOVA.Results: Results show a significant effect of CRF levels on native language grades, after adjustment for confounders [F(3,414) = 3,99 p < 0.05], but not for mathematics [F(3,360) = 0.95 p > 0.05]. No significant effects of PA levels on AA were found.Conclusions: CRF is associated with moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and higher levels of CRF may influence AA. CRF is positively correlated with MVPA, suggesting that higher amounts of MVPA might improve CRF and indirectly influence AA. Since CRF is dependent on higher intensities of PA, we can suggest a focus on implementing improvement strategies to increase the intensity of physical education lessons.

Effect of Different Types of Physical Activity on Activities of Daily Living in Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Physical activity is associated with greater independence in old age. However, little is known about the effect of physical activity level and activity type on activities of daily living (ADL). This review systematically analyzed the effects of physical activity level and activity type on ADL in older adults (mean age, 60+). Electronic search methods (up to March 2015) identified 47 relevant, randomized controlled trials. Random effects meta-analyses revealed significant, beneficial effects of physical activity on ADL physical performance (SMD = 0.72, 95% CI [0.45, 1.00]; p < .01), with the largest effects found for moderate physical activity levels, and for activity types with high levels of mental (e.g., memory, attention), physical (e.g., coordination, balance) and social (e.g., social interaction) demands. Inconsistent effects were observed on self-reported ADL measures. Interventions that include moderate physical activity levels with high mental, physical, and social demands may produce the greatest benefits on ADL physical performance.

The relationship between physical fitness and falling risk and fear of falling in community-dwelling elderly people with different physical activity levels.

The aim of this research was to determine the effects of physical activity level (PAL) and physical fitness on falling parameters in community-dwelling elderly people. Seventy-six elderly people were grouped as low PAL group (group 1, n: 38) and high PAL (group 2, n: 38) according to their PAL scores. PAL was measured by the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly and muscle strength, muscle endurance, aerobic endurance, and flexibility tests were applied; body mass index (BMI) was calculated for physical fitness measurement. Fall assessment included falling risk (Berg Balance Scale), dynamic balance (Time Up and Go Test), and fear of falling (FOF) (Falls Efficacy Scale) evaluation. While physical fitness parameters except flexibility in group 2 were significantly better than they were in group 1 (P < 0.05), no significant difference was found between the groups with regard to fall assessments (P ˃ 0.05). In both groups, while physical fitness parameters except BMI showed a positive and low or medium significant correlation with falling risk and FOF, the same fitness parameters showed a negative and low or medium significant correlation with dynamic balance. The results show that PAL may have an indirect effect on fall parameters by increasing physical fitness.

Inspiratory muscle function in asthmatic and healthy subjects: influence of age, nutrition and physical activity

Objective: To compare inspiratory muscle function (strength and endurance) between asthmatics and healthy controls, and the influence of age, nutritional status and physical activity on them. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Asthmatic and healthy subjects, aged 6 to 18 years old, recruited from two public schools in Southern Brazil were included in the study. Asthmatic subjects were selected using the criteria presented by the International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Children and control subjects based on the absence of respiratory symptoms. Anthropometric data was measured, body mass index calculated and subjects classified as normal weight, overweight or obese. Physical activity levels, maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and inspiratory muscle endurance (IME) were also evaluated. Results: A total of 314 participants were included, separated into control group (181) and asthmatics (133), with a total mean age of 11 years. When both groups were compared, there were no significant differences in both MIP and IME. However, when groups were analyzed subdivided in children and adolescents, IME was significantly reduced (p = 0.003) in asthmatic adolescents. Indeed, when groups were also stratified considering the nutritional status, IME showed a reduction in asthmatic adolescents with overweight (p = 0.042) and obesity (p = 0.041) when compared to healthy controls. No effects of physical activity levels between groups were found. Conclusions: Results demonstrate a reduction in the IME in asthmatic adolescents with overweight and obesity, indicating an association between asthma, nutritional status and respiratory muscle function.

Long-term Effects of Physical Activity Level on Changes in Healthy Body Mass Index Over 12 Years in Young Adult Women

ObjectivesTo examine the effects of overall level and timing of physical activity (PA) on changes from a healthy body mass index (BMI) category over 12 years in young adult women. Patients and MethodsParticipants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (younger cohort, born 1973-1978) completed surveys between 2000 (age 22-27 years) and 2012 (age 34-39 years). Physical activity was measured in 2000, 2003, 2006, and 2009 and was categorized as very low, low, active, or very active at each survey, and a cumulative PA score for this 9-year period was created. Logistic regression was used to examine relationships between PA accumulated across all surveys (cumulative PA model) and PA at each survey (critical periods PA model), with change in BMI category (from healthy to overweight or healthy to obese) from 2000 to 2012. ResultsIn women with a healthy BMI in 2000, there were clear dose-response relationships between accumulated PA and transition to overweight (P=.03) and obesity (P<.01) between 2000 and 2012. The critical periods analysis indicated that very active levels of PA at the 2006 survey (when the women were 28-33 years old) and active or very active PA at the 2009 survey (age 31-36 years) were most protective against transitioning to overweight and obesity. ConclusionThese findings confirm that maintenance of very high PA levels throughout young adulthood will significantly reduce the risk of becoming overweight or obese. There seems to be a critical period for maintaining high levels of activity at the life stage when many women face competing demands of caring for infants and young children.

Relation of physical activity level with quality of life, sleep and depression in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE:In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of physical activity level on the quality of life, depression, sleep quality and functional capacity in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).METHODS:Fifty-five patients over 65 years of age (age range: 65–84 years) with knee osteoarthritis were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups including Insufficient Activity Group (IAG) and Physically Active Group (PAG) according to their responses to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Radiological OA grading was performed using Kellgren-Lawrence classification system. Patients were evaluated using Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).RESULTS:Mean age, body mass indices, mean pain scores and gender distribution were comparable between the two groups. WOMAC physical function scores were lower in the Physically Active Group (p=0.01). Mean PSQI scores did not differ statistically significantly between the two groups (p=0.242). Mean BDI score of PAG was significantly lower compared to that of IAG (p=0.015). Mean SF-36 physical function (p=0.044), physical role (p=0.008) and physical component (p=0.016) scores of the Physically Active Group were significantly higher vs Insufficient Activity Group.CONCLUSION:Maintaining a high physical activity level reduces the possibility of depression and improves the quality of life and functional capacity in geriatric patients with knee osteoarthritis.

The Effect of Physical Exercise on Postural Stability in Sighted Individuals and Those Who Are Visually Impaired: An Analysis Adjusted for Physical Activity and Body Mass Index.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of physical exercise on postural stability in sighted participants and individuals who are visually impaired, adjusted for potential modulatory effects of physical activity level and body mass index (BMI). The study included 23 participants who were severely visually impaired and 23 sighted participants. Postural stability measurements were taken with open eyes (session I) and with closed eyes (session II). During each session, the mean velocity of the center of pressure (COP) displacements was determined using a force plate both before and after physical exercise. During testing with open eyes, the 2 groups did not differ significantly in terms of their postural response to physical exercise. When examined with closed eyes, the individuals who were visually impaired showed markedly greater postexercise increase in mean velocity of the COP displacement in the mediolateral direction. This intergroup difference was likely a consequence of significantly higher preexercise values of posturographic parameters observed in the sighted participants. More pronounced postexercise changes in the postural stability of sighted participants were associated with lower levels of physical activity and higher values of BMI. Further research is needed to explain the character of the abovementioned relationships in individuals who are visually impaired.

Decreased physical activity is associated with an increased incidence or progression of peripheral artery disease in hemodialysis patients

Background:Hemodialysis patients are at a higher risk of developing peripheral artery disease (PAD) than the general population. However, factors associatedwith the incidence or progression of PAD in hemodialysis patients have not been fully elucidated. Furthermore, very few studies have assessed the associationbetween the development of PADandphysical activity levels, although most of hemodialysis patients have low levels of daily physical activity and are thus prone to arteriosclerosis. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine whether physical activity levels contribute to the development of PAD in hemodialysis patients using multivariate analyses adjusted for clinical variables. Methods: This prospective study followed Japanese outpatients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis three times a week at the Hemodialysis Center from July 2012 to January 2013 for one year. Patients who had been treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and/or stenting, had an ankle-brachial index (ABI) ≥1.40 at baseline, had noncompliance with prescribed medications (antiplatelet and statin drugs), and showed changes in physical activity levels during the observation period due to adverse clinical events were excluded. Age, sex, body mass index, dialysis vintage, history of smoking, comorbid conditions, blood biochemical data (creatinine, calcium-phosphate products, low and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and intact parathyroid hormone), levels (high or low) of physical activity, and ABI were obtained from clinical records at baseline. Patients were classified as having a low physical activity level if they used wheelchair at home/hospital, required walking assistance, or had limited ambulation at/around home. For analysis, patients were divided into groups with or without newly diagnosed PAD (ABI ≥1.00 at baseline and ABI ≤0.99 at the endpoint), and with or without progressive PAD (ABI ≤0.99 at baseline and subsequent decrease in ABI to ≥0.10) according to changes in ABI during the study period. Multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusted for baseline clinical variables were performed to identify the prognostic effect of physical activity levels on PAD incidence or progression after one year. Analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21, USA). Results: A total of 124 eligible Japanese outpatients (mean age, 65.7± 10.7; male, 52.4%; mean hemodialysis vintage, 9.9± 8.6 years) were included in the study. During the follow-up period, 13 hemodialysis patients (10.5%) were newly diagnosed or had progressive PAD. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed a significant association between PAD incidence or progression and physical activity levels (odds ratio, 5.504; 95% confidence interval, 1.653–18.326; P= 0.005). Conclusion(s):Decreased physical activity is closely and independently associated with an increased incidence or progression of PAD in hemodialysis patients. Implications: Hemodialysis patients reportedly have significantly lower physical activity levels compared to age-matched community-dwelling people. Regular physical therapy to increase habitual physical activity should be considered as an effective approach to prevent the development of PAD in clinically stable hemodialysis patients.

INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS, DAIRY PRODUCTS AND CALCIUM INTAKES ON RISK FACTORS OF OSTEOPOROSIS PREVENTION IN FEMALE STUDENTS OF ISLAMIC AZAD UNIVERSITY OF DAMAVAND, IRAN

Aim: Osteoporosis is a serious metabolic bone disorder that often results in hip fracture and usually asymptomatic in its initial stages. Since the majority of bone formation occurs during childhood and adolescence, it is important to begin primary prevention at an early age, although the optimal way for instilling this preventive behavior in youth has not yet been defined. The purpose of this study was to investigating the effects of physical activity levels, dairy products and calcium intakes on risk factors of osteoporosis prevention in female students of Islamic Azad university of Damavand in Iran. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on 280 healthy female university students aged between 18 to 24 years old who were selected randomly from the university students of Islamic Azad university of Damavand, Iran. Subjects completed an informed consent form, health history questionnaire; food questionnaire was used to assess the entire dietary component intakes and physical activity questionnaire (Baecke). Result: The result shows that Increase in physical activity and diary product consumption, the calcium intake with a decrease in BMI, and increase in BMD. Also results shows that there were significant negative correlations between the physical activity levels, diary product consumption, the calcium intake and risk factors of osteoporosis. Conclusions: Increased physical activity and diary product consumption, the calcium intake is associated with an increase in BMD and a concomitant decrease in BMI. These findings suggest that population-level interventions to increase physical activity and diary product consumption, the calcium intake would favorably impact bone and other health outcomes. Thus, dietary pattern coupled with higher education levels and greater physical activity favored bone health and osteoporosis prevention in middle school females.

Poor sleep quality is associated with increased cortical atrophy in community-dwelling adults.

To examine the relationship between sleep quality and cortical and hippocampal volume and atrophy within a community-based sample, explore the influence of age on results, and assess the possible confounding effects of physical activity levels, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure. In 147 community-dwelling adults (92 female; age 53.9 ± 15.5 years), sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and correlated with cross-sectional measures of volume and longitudinal measures of atrophy derived from MRI scans separated by an average of 3.5 years. Exploratory post hoc analysis compared correlations between different age groups and included physical activity, BMI, and blood pressure as additional covariates. Poor sleep quality was associated with reduced volume within the right superior frontal cortex in cross-sectional analyses, and an increased rate of atrophy within widespread frontal, temporal, and parietal regions in longitudinal analyses. Results were largely driven by correlations within adults over the age of 60, and could not be explained by variation in physical activity, BMI, or blood pressure. Sleep quality was not associated with hippocampal volume or atrophy. We found that longitudinal measures of cortical atrophy were widely correlated with sleep quality. Poor sleep quality may be a cause or a consequence of brain atrophy, and future studies examining the effect of interventions that improve sleep quality on rates of atrophy may hold key insights into the direction of this relationship.

What is the effect of physical activity level on food consumption, energy deficiency, and dietary diversity?

Energy deficiency is observed to be at odds with other food security indicators. In wealthier urban areas, the prevalence of energy deficiency is often higher than in poorer rural areas, whereas other food security indicators, such as food diversity, perform much better in urban than in rural areas. To investigate to what extent differences in physical activity levels influence dietary quantity and quality. Central to this analysis is the construction of a household activity index, a single measure that aims to capture the collective workload of the household. This paper uses data from Nepal and Uganda expenditure surveys that contain information on food consumption, as well as detailed information on how individual household members spend their time. Energy deficiency numbers are adjusted by the activity index, and the results are compared with the standard approach for calculating energy deficiency assuming light activity levels. Regressions are estimated to discuss demand for calories and diversity given the activity level. Accounting for differences in activity level has a large effect on energy deficiency figures, particularly in rural areas. The analysis shows that a higher household activity level significantly increases the calories consumed but lessens food diversity, suggesting that households with high activity levels sacrifice diversity for quantity in order to meet their energy requirements. Physical activity levels should be taken into account when interpreting empirical differences in food consumption levels for determining the prevalence of food insecurity and making allocation decisions for food security assistance.

Effect of Physical Activity Level on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Insulin Resistance Over 5 Years in Outpatients With Coronary Heart Disease (from the Heart and Soul Study)

Higher levels of physical activity are associated with lower rates of coronary heart disease (CHD). Previous studies have suggested that this is due partly to lower levels of inflammation and insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to determine whether physical activity level was associated with inflammation or insulin resistance during a 5-year period in outpatients with known CHD. A total of 656 participants from the Heart and Soul Study, a prospective cohort study of outpatients with documented CHD, were evaluated. Self-reported physical activity frequency was assessed at baseline and after 5 years of follow-up. Participants were classified as low versus high activity at each visit, yielding 4 physical activity groups: stable low activity, decreasing activity (high at baseline to low at year 5), increasing activity (low at baseline to high at year 5), and stable high activity. Year 5 markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin-6, and fibrinogen) and insulin resistance (insulin, glucose, and glycated hemoglobin) were compared across the 4 activity groups. After 5 years of follow-up, higher activity was associated with lower mean levels of all biomarkers. In the fully adjusted regression models, CRP, interleukin-6, and glucose remained independently associated with physical activity frequency (log CRP, p for trend across activity groups = 0.03; log interleukin-6, p for trend = 0.01; log glucose, p for trend = 0.003). Subjects with stable high activity typically had the lowest levels of biomarkers. In conclusion, in this novel population of outpatients with known CHD followed for 5 years, higher physical activity frequency was independently associated with lower levels of CRP, interleukin-6, and glucose.

Impact of children's physical activities on cognitive performance and academic achievement

Little is known about how children's physical activities are related to their cognitive performance and academic achievement. Therefore, we reviewed research investigating the effects of physical activity levels of children on cognitive performance and academic achievement and identified research trends. We searched electronic databases for literature published between 2000 and 2011 using the following key words: “children,” “physical activity,” “academic,” “school,” and “intervention”. As a result, 10 studies were identified. Seven of these studies recognized improvements in children's cognitive performance and academic achievement. Moreover, it is suggested that schools are optimum places for conducting physical activity programs for children.

Effects of Physical Activity Levels on Fatigue Perception in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease and Neurologically Healthy Individuals

Background: Recent researches involving fatigue and Parkinson’s disease (PD) sought to verify its incidence and the impacts of fatigue on quality life of patients with PD. Despite the importance of regular physical activity practice, there are only few studies that verified the influence of the levels of physical activity on fatigue in patients with PD. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare perception of fatigue between individuals with PD and neurologically healthy individuals (control group), considering the physical activity levels; and to verify the relation between physical activity levels and fatigue dimensions for individuals with PD and control group. Methods: Eighty individuals (40 patients with PD and 40 control individuals) participated in this study. Physical activity levels were evaluated through Modified Baecke Questionnaire for Older Adults. Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) was used in order to evaluate fatigue dimensions (general, physical and mental fatigue, reduced motivation and activity). MANOVA two-way and Pearson linear correlation test were performed to analyze the data. Results: Patients with PD presented higher levels of fatigue, in all dimensions evaluated by MFI, comparing to control individuals. There was no association between physical activity levels and perception of fatigue for patients with PD and control individuals. Conclusion: Patients with PD showed increased perception of fatigue when compared to control individuals, due to PD characteristics. In addition, the perception of fatigue’s symptom was not influenced and had no relation by the level of physical activity.

Lifelong Physical Activity Prevents Aging-Associated Insulin Resistance in Human Skeletal Muscle Myotubes via Increased Glucose Transporter Expression

Both aging and physical inactivity are associated with increased development of insulin resistance whereas physical activity has been shown to promote increased insulin sensitivity. Here we investigated the effects of physical activity level on aging-associated insulin resistance in myotubes derived from human skeletal muscle satellite cells. Satellite cells were obtained from young (22 yrs) normally active or middle-aged (56.6 yrs) individuals who were either lifelong sedentary or lifelong active. Both middle-aged sedentary and middle-aged active myotubes had increased p21 and myosin heavy chain protein expression. Interestingly MHCIIa was increased only in myotubes from middle-aged active individuals. Middle-aged sedentary cells had intact insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation however, the same cell showed ablated insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane. On the other hand, middle-aged active cells retained both insulin-stimulated increases in glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane. Middle-aged active cells also had significantly higher mRNA expression of GLUT1 and GLUT4 compared to middle-aged sedentary cells, and significantly higher GLUT4 protein. It is likely that physical activity induces a number of stable adaptations, including increased GLUT4 expression that are retained in cells ex vivo and protect, or delay the onset of middle-aged-associated insulin resistance. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle has an impact on the metabolism of human myotubes during aging and may contribute to aging-associated insulin resistance through impaired GLUT4 localization.

Do physical activity level and body mass index predict recovery from persistent neck pain in men and women of working age? A population-based cohort study

The study sought to examine the gender-specific effects of physical activity level and body mass index on recovery from persistent neck pain (PNP) among citizens of working age in Stockholm, Sweden. A population-based cohort of 1,730 subjects (18-65) with PNP answered surveys in 2002 and 2007. Prognostic factors were self-reported body mass index (BMI) and physical activity level (PAL) at baseline. Analyses were performed with odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI). Women reporting higher physical activity level had higher odds of recovering from PNP than women with sedentary leisure time (OR of 1.5, 95 % CI 1.0-2.4), but no associations were found in men. No associations were found between BMI and recovery from PNP in any analyses. Physical activity seems to be associated with recovery from PNP in women and should therefore be encouraged. Future studies should continue investigating physical activity and lifestyle factors in relation to recovery from persistent neck pain, since these modifiable factors may be considered in interventions.

Impact of Physical Activity on Executive Functions in Aging: A Selective Effect on Inhibition Among Old Adults

The purposes of this study were to determine the impact of physical activity on three different executive functions (shifting, inhibition, and updating) and to examine whether cardiovascular fitness was a good mediator of the positive link(s) between these variables. Sixty-three young adults (18-28 years), 30 young-old adults (60-70 years) and 30 old adults (71-81 years) were divided into physically active and sedentary groups according to physical activity level (assessed from an accelerometer and the Historical Leisure Activity Questionnaire). Cardiovascular fitness was assessed by VO2max from the Rockport 1 mile. Each executive function was assessed through three different experimental tasks. ANCOVAs revealed that the effect of physical activity level was specific to the old adults and significant for inhibition, but not for updating and shifting. Mediation analysis showed that this positive effect in the old adults group was mediated by cardiovascular fitness level. The present findings highlight the positive linkages among physical activity, cardiovascular fitness, and inhibition in aging.

Effect of Physical Activity Level on Lipid Profile of Adults Working in Tertiary Institutions in Abeokuta, South-Western Nigeria

Effect of Physical Activity Level on Lipid Profile of Adults Working in Tertiary Institutions in Abeokuta, South-Western Nigeria

The effect of physical activity on haematological predictors of cardiovascular risk – evidence of a dose response

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. Large epidemiological studies have reported a strong association between increases in haematological factors and increased cardiovascular risk. Haematological risk factors predicted cardiovascular disease at least as strongly as traditional risk factors such as blood lipid concentrations. Lifestyle factors such as physical activity level could significantly reduce risk. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of physical activity level on haematological predictors of cardiovascular risk. Healthy subjects (156) were recruited. Physical activity in subjects was assessed by IPAQ physical activity questionnaire. Blood was collected and blood cell counts were determined by automated cell counter; neutrophil elastase was determined by ELISA. Increased levels of physical activity were associated with reduced red cell (p = 0.001), white cell (p = 0.002) and platelet counts (p = 0.001) and with reduced plasma neutrophil elastase concentration (p = 0.001). There was a continuous linear relationship between increase in physical activity and decrease in haematological risk factors. Hence, the authors conclude that increased levels of physical activity improve the flow properties of blood and thus reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Even small increases in activity result in some reduction in cardiovascular risk.