Lower Leisure-time Physical Activity Research Articles

Abstract 16482: Proteomic Measures Associated With Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Heart Failure Risk in Late-Life - The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

Introduction: Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is associated with lower heart failure (HF) risk. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which LTPA impacts HF risk is unclear. Methods: We evaluated participants at Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study visits 3 (1993-95) and 5 (2011-13) with plasma proteomics data (Somascan v4) and without HF or stroke. LTPA was assessed by the Baecke questionnaire as metabolic equivalent (MET)-minutes/week. We performed cross-sectional associations of 4,955 proteins with LTPA at visit 3 and then at visit 5 LTPA using multivariable quantile regression models at Bonferroni-corrected significance (p<1e-5, p<0.0004, respectively). We related these proteins to incident HF after visit 3 and then visit 5 using multivariable Cox regression models at Bonferroni-corrected significance (p<0.00086, p<0.003, respectively). Results: Thirty-nine proteins were associated with LTPA at visit 3 (n=10,402; age 60±6 yrs, 54% women; mean 688.6 MET-minutes/week, 773 incident HF events) and visit 5 (n=4,135; 75±5 yrs, 58% women; mean 834.8 MET-minutes/week, 362 events), of which 5 proteins were also associated with incident HF at both visits. Higher levels of THBS2, GABARAP, and BAGE2 were associated with lower LTPA and higher HF risk while higher levels of ART3 associated with higher LTPA and lower risk of incident HF (Figure). PTK7 demonstrated discordant associations with LTPA and HF risk. Levels of THBS2, GABARAP, BAGE2, and ART3 accounted for a significant proportion of the LTPA-HF association (p<0.05). Conclusion: Large-scale proteomics can identify novel biomarkers potentially linking LTPA to HF risk. Further study is needed of THBS2, GABARAP, BAGE2, and ART3, which may link the association of LTPA on HF.

The relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms is domain-specific, age-dependent, and non-linear: An analysis of the Brazilian national health survey

Although there is consistent evidence of the beneficial effects of leisure physical activity (PA) on mental health, the role of PA in the domestic, transport, and occupational domains is inconclusive. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between domain-specific PA and depressive symptoms and examine whether the association is moderated by age in a representative sample of the Brazilian population. Cross-sectional data of 89,923 (52.4% female) individuals aged ≥15 years were analyzed. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Physical activity (min/week) performed in different domains (domestic, transport, occupation, and leisure) was self-reported. Generalized additive models with penalized splines were used to explore associations. Lower leisure-time PA and higher levels of PA in the domestic, occupational, and transport domains at distinct PA thresholds were associated with higher depressive symptoms. Leisure PA, even at lower levels, was associated with lower depressive symptoms compared to no PA at all. The increase in depressive symptoms as a function of occupational PA was observed only at PA levels higher than 40 h/week. Although non-leisure PA levels were related to higher depressive symptoms among the total sample, higher domestic and transport PA levels were related to lower depressive symptoms among older adults. This study provides insights into the non-linearity and age-group dependence of the relationship between domain-specific PA and depressive symptoms in a middle-income country. The evidence suggests that care should be taken on recommending PA regardless of context or domain.

Physical activity paradox: could inflammation be a key factor?

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to test the extent to which physical activity performed during work and leisure is associated with systemic inflammation.MethodsData regarding job history and high-sensitivity C...

Elevated highly sensitive C-reactive protein in fibromyalgia associates with symptom severity.

ObjectivesFibromyalgia (FM), a common pain syndrome, is thought to be a non-inflammatory, nociplastic condition, but evidence implicating neuroinflammation has been increasing. Systemic inflammation may be associated with more severe symptoms in some FM patients. We studied healthy controls and FM patients with and without systemic inflammation detectable using high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) measurement.MethodsWe measured hsCRP levels and gathered clinical and questionnaire data [including the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ)] from 40 female FM patients and 30 age-matched healthy women. An hsCRP level >3 mg/l was considered elevated.ResultsFM patients had significantly higher mean hsCRP levels than controls, explained by overweight and lower leisure-time physical activity. Eight FM patients had elevated hsCRP levels and 29 had normal hsCRP levels. Levels of hsCRP were significantly correlated with FIQ scores. Patients with elevated hsCRP had higher FIQ scores, with worse physical functioning and greater pain and were less likely to be employed than patients with normal hsCRP. These patient groups did not differ by blood count, liver function or lipid profiles, nor by education, psychological measures, sleep disturbance, smoking or comorbidities.ConclusionSome FM patients have elevated hsCRP, mostly due to overweight and physical inactivity. They have worse symptoms and their ability to work is impaired. Measurement of hsCRP may help to identify FM patients in greatest need of interventions supporting working ability.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov), NCT03300635

Occupational physical activity and cardiovascular disease in the United States

BackgroundEmerging evidence, predominately from European and Asian countries, describes opposing effects of occupational physical activity (OPA) and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) on cardiovascular health. This analysis examined cardiovascular disease (CVD)...

Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults With a Neurologically-Related Mobility Disability During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Exploratory Analysis.

Background: During the coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic various containment strategies were employed. Their impact on individuals with neurological conditions, considered vulnerable to COVID-19 complications, remains to be determined.Objective: To investigate associations between physical activity and health-related quality of life outcomes in individuals with a neurological condition during government mandated COVID-19 restrictions.Methods: An e-survey assessing fear of COVID-19, physical activity level and health-related quality of life outcomes (functional disability and pain, anxiety and depression, loneliness, fatigue, and vitality) was distributed to individuals with a neurologically-related mobility disability living in the United Kingdom. Open-ended questions were also included to contextualize barriers and facilitators to engage in physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gamma-weighted generalized linear models and tree-structured regression models were employed to determine the associations between physical activity and health-related quality of life.Results: Of 199 responses, 69% reported performing less physical activity compared to pre-pandemic. Tree-structured regression models revealed that lower leisure-time physical activity was significantly associated (p ≤ 0.009) with higher depression and fatigue, but lower vitality. The closure of leisure facilities and organized sport (27%) was the most commonly cited barrier to engage in physical activity, while 31% of participants mentioned concerns around their physical and mental health as a facilitator.Conclusion: Our analysis identified homogenous subgroups for depression, fatigue, and vitality based specifically on leisure-time physical activity cut points, irrespective of additional demographic or situational characteristics. Findings highlight the importance of and need to safely promote leisure-time physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic in this at-risk population to help support health-related quality of life.

Abstract P158: Work-related Exertion And Standing/walking Are Associated With Leisure-time Physical Activity In Latinos

Introduction: Latinos engage in higher levels of occupational physical activity, yet lower levels of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), than other racial/ethnic groups. Limited research has examined specific work-based activities that contribute to lower LTPA among Latinos. The purpose of our study was to examine associations between frequency of work-related exertion and standing/walking with LTPA among Latinos. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that higher frequency of work-related exertion and standing/walking would be associated with lower levels of LTPA among Latinos. Methods: We used cross-sectional 2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data on employed Latinos ≥18 years of age (n=3,305). We examined two types of work-based activities: frequency of exertion and frequency of standing/walking. Frequency of exertion was assessed based on reported frequency of engaging in repeated lifting, pulling, pushing, or bending at work. Frequency of standing/walking was assessed based on frequency with which their work involved standing or walking around. Responses to work-based activity items were on a Likert scale (0=never, 1=seldom, 2= sometimes, 3=often, 4=always). LTPA was measured based on minutes of moderate-to-vigorous LTPA aerobic physical activity per week, which were categorized into none (0 min/week), some LTPA (>0 min/week of activity but less than recommendation), and meeting the LTPA guideline (≥150 min of moderate-vigorous activity or ≥75 min of vigorous activity or 150 min of moderate activity/week). Multinomial logistic regression models that accounted for the complex survey design of NHIS were used to estimate the associations between frequency of work-related exertion and standing/walking with LTPA. All models were adjusted for age, sex, education, shift work, and acculturation proxies (nativity, years living in the US). Results: In adjusted models, compared with those who reported never engaging in exertion at work, individuals reporting always exerting themselves at work were significantly less likely to meet the LTPA guideline (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.68, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.50-0.94). In addition, compared with those that reported never standing/walking at work, only those who reported that their job seldom involved standing/walking at work were significantly less likely to meet the LTPA guideline (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.30-0.92). Conclusions: In conclusion, these findings suggest that work-related physical activities may contribute to LTPA levels among Latinos, and associations vary based on the type of physical activities performed at work. Future physical activity promotion efforts among Latinos should consider the role of worksite policies to promote wellness.

Accelerometer-measured and self-reported physical activity in relation to extraversion and neuroticism: a cross-sectional analysis of two studies

BackgroundPersonality reflects relatively stable and pervasive tendencies in feeling, thinking and behaving. While previous studies have found higher extraversion and lower neuroticism to be linked to higher self-reported physical activity levels, larger studies using accelerometer-measured physical activity are lacking. This study investigated the cross-sectional associations of extraversion and neuroticism with both accelerometer-measured and self-reported physical activity and the role of these personality traits in possible discrepancies between these two measures of physical activity among Finnish adults.MethodsTwo community-dwelling samples were used in this study: a) 47–55-yr-old women (n = 1098) and b) 70–85-yr-old women and men (n = 314). In both samples, extraversion and neuroticism were assessed by the 19-item short form of the Eysenck Personality Inventory. Physical activity was assessed with hip-worn tri-axial accelerometers and self-reported questions. Regression analyses were adjusted by age, BMI and education.ResultsIn the middle-aged women, neuroticism was negatively associated with accelerometer-measured leisure time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (β = −.07, p = .036) and with self-reported physical activity (β = −.08, p = .021), while extraversion was positively associated with self-reported physical activity (β = .10, p = .005). No associations of extraversion or neuroticism with physical activity were found in the older men and women. Older adults who scored high in neuroticism reported less physical activity than what was measured by accelerometers (β = −.12, p = .039). Extraversion was not associated with discrepancy between self-reported and accelerometer-measured leisure time physical activity in either sample.ConclusionsNeuroticism was associated with lower leisure-time physical activity levels and extraversion with higher self-reported physical activity among middle-aged women. Neuroticism and extraversion were unrelated to physical activity among older adults, but older adults with high neuroticism seemed to underreport their physical activity level. The role of personality in the discrepancy between self-reported and device-based physical activity warrants further research.

Associations of physical activity with vitamin D status depends on obesity status in old adults.

Obesity has been associated with low 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25OHD). The causes of hypovitaminosis D in obese individuals are not known. The present work aimed to investigate 25OHD in obese and normal-/overweight subjects with consideration of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). Community-dwelling old adults (N=229, 73.7±5.7yrs, 58.2% female) from the Reykjavik capital area in Iceland participated in this cross-sectional study. LTPA, vitamin D intake, body composition and background variables were assessed. 25OHD was measured in fasting blood samples. Mean LTPA was 5.7±5.6h/week and the common activities were walking and gardening. Mean 25OHD was 66.7±28.1nmol/L and 8.5/21.2% were below 30 and 50nmol/L, respectively. Obese participants (n=84) had lower 25OHD (-11.0±3.8nmol/L,P<0.001) and lower LTPA (-2.5+0.8h/week,P=0.001) than normal-/overweight subjects (n=145). Linear models showed that LTPA (h/week) was associated with higher 25OHD in normal-/overweight participants only (1.3nmol/L, P<0.001) but not in obese (-0.7nmol, P=0.245). Fish oil intake was associated with higher 25OHD both in normal-/overweight (19.2±4.5nmol/L, P=0.001) and obese subjects (13.4±5.3nmol/L, P=0.013). Obese community-dwelling old adults in Iceland have lower 25OHD than their normal-/overweight counterparts. LTPA was associated with a higher 25OHD in normal-/overweight, but not in obese participants. However, fish oil was associated with higher 25OHD independently from obesity status. Thus, vitamin D supplementation is important for obese old adults to maintain vitamin D levels.

Associations Of Occupational And Leisure-time Physical Activity With Cardiovascular Disease

PURPOSE: Emerging evidence describes opposing effects of occupational and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) on cardiovascular health although little research has been done in the U.S. This analysis examines cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence associated with occupational physical activity and LTPA in a nationally representative U.S. sample. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analysis of the 2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data and its occupational health supplement from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (n=19,429). Logistic regression estimated the odds of self-reported composite CVD (coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, or angina) with self-reported total occupational activity (TOA), occupational exertion (OE), occupational standing (OS), and LTPA. Occupational activity was measured using two questions: “How often does your job involve repeated lifting, pushing, pulling, or bending?” (OE) and "How often does your job involve standing or walking around?” (OS) where participants responded to a 5-item Likert scale (0=Never, 4=Always). Total occupational activity (TOA) was categorized similarly after summing the individual OE and OS scores. LTPA was defined as three categories: 0, 1-149, or ≥150 minutes/week of reported moderate-to-vigorous activity. Additional analyses were stratified by sex, smoking status, and LTPA level. All models were adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, smoking status, alcohol consumption, family income, body mass index, education, U.S. nativity, LTPA, and TOA. RESULTS: “Always” performing TOA, OE, and OS was associated with higher odds for CVD, compared to “never” (OR=1.65, p=0.026, OR=1.63, p=0.003, and OR=1.56, p=0.031, respectively). LTPA level was not associated with odds of CVD (p>0.05). Associations of high OE with CVD outcomes were equally apparent in females and males and stronger in lower LTPA levels. Associations between TOA, OE, and OS with CVD were stronger in the sample restricted to never smokers. CONCLUSIONS: While LTPA was not associated, individuals with higher TOA, OE, and OS had higher rates of CVD. While uncontrolled confounding is still possible even after adjustment, the seemingly paradoxical adverse associations with occupational activity and CVD should be investigated further.

Physical functioning and survival: Is the link weaker among Latino and black older adults?

Measures of physical functioning are among the strongest predictors of mortality, but no previous study has assessed whether the predictive value of such measures varies by race/ethnicity, as has been done for the simple self-rated health question. The current study tests whether the relationship between two measures of physical functioning (the number of self-reported functional limitations and measured walking speed) and mortality is weaker (has a lower hazard ratio) for Latinos and blacks than for whites. Data were drawn from the 1998-2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, with mortality follow-up through 2016. We used Cox hazard models with household random effects to test for interactions between race/ethnicity and these measures of physical functioning and verified earlier findings for self-rated health. The number of self-reported functional limitations is significantly related to mortality for all racial/ethnic groups, but has a substantially lower hazard ratio for blacks and Latinos than for whites, as hypothesized. This hazard ratio remains lower for blacks and Latinos after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics and health conditions. These findings suggest that the higher rates of functional limitations observed among Latinos and blacks compared with whites may reflect a history of strenuous physical work, inadequately controlled pain, lower leisure-time physical activity, or untreated/under-treated mobility problems that can lead to reduced physical performance without necessarily having a substantial effect on mortality risk. On the other hand, we do not detect significant racial/ethnic differences in the association between measured walking speed and subsequent mortality. This may be the result of the smaller sample size for the walking speed tests, the more nuanced nature of the continuous walking speed measure, or the fact that the walking speed test captures only a subset of the limitations included in the self-reports.

Obesity, Physical Function, and Training Success in Community-Dwelling Nonsarcopenic Old Adults.

Objectives Obesity-related physiological changes can limit improvements of obese subjects after training. The aim was to investigate obesity, muscular strength, and physical function in community-dwelling nonsarcopenic old adults. Methods Nonsarcopenic subjects (N=229, 73.7 ± 5.7 years; 21% normal weight, 42% overweight, and 37% obese based on body mass index (BMI)) participated in a 12-week resistance exercise program. Leisure time physical activity (LTPA), body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), quadriceps strength (maximum voluntary isometric contraction; absolute and relative to body weight), and physical function in terms of 6-minutes-walk-for-distance (6MWD) and timed up and go (TUG) were measured baseline and endpoint. Results At baseline, normal weight participants had lower absolute quadriceps strength (−43 ± 22 N, P=0.015) than obese, but better quadriceps strength relative to body weight (1.4 ± 0.7 N/kg, P < 0.001), 6MWD (53 ± 27 m, P < 0.001), and TUG (−1.4 ± 0.7 sec, P ≤ 0.001). LTPA was positively associated with 6MWD and TUG (both P < 0.05), but based on general linear models, differences in LTPA between BMI categories did not explain differences in 6MWD and TUG between BMI categories. During the program, dropout (11.9%) and attendance (85%) were similar between BMI groups. After the intervention, body composition and physical function significantly improved in all three BMI categories; however, normal weight participants lost more body fat (−1.53 ± 0.78%, P=0.014), gained more lean mass (0.70 ± 0.36 kg, P < 0.001) and relative quadriceps strength (0.31 ± 0.16 N/kg, P=0.017), and improved more on the 6MWD (24 ± 12 m, P < 0.001) but gained less grip strength (−2.4 ± 1.3 N/kg, P=0.020) compared to obese. There were no differences in TUG or absolute quadriceps strength changes between the BMI strata. Physical function at baseline as well as training success of overweight participants was located between the normal weight and obesity groups. Conclusion Nonsarcopenic obese community-dwelling old adults have lower physical function than their normal weight counterparts. This difference is not explained by lower LTPA. A 12-week resistance exercise program improves body composition and physical function in normal weight, overweight, and obese old adults; however, obese participants experience less favorable changes in body composition and physical function than normal weight individuals. This trial is registered with NCT01074879.

PO-279 Bidirectional Associations Between Physical Activity and Adiposity From Childhood to Early Adulthood

Objective Inverse association between physical activity and adiposity in children and adolescents have been documented in numerous studies. However, few studies have examined the direction of causation between these two variables. We aimed to examine the prospective bidirectional associations between physical activity and adiposity from childhood to early adulthood.&#x0D; Methods A total of 396 girls (mean age, 11.2 years at baseline) participated in a longitudinal study with 1, 2, 4, and 7 year follow-ups. Body height and weight were measured, body composition was assessed by DXA and BMI and fat mass index (FMI) were calculated. Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and physical inactivity was obtained from questionnaire and physical activity score and inactivity time was calculated. A bivariate cross-lagged panel model was used to estimate the bidirectional associations between physical activity and measures of adiposity across follow-up waves.&#x0D; We further examined whether persistently high or persistently low physical activity or change of physical activity level from low to high and high to low during pubertal years had differential effects on adiposity. For this, the study participants were first divided into two groups according to the median values of their LTPA scores at baseline and at the 7 year follow-up visit. Then four activity groups were formed: consistently high (CH), consistently low (CL), change from high to low (HL), and change from low to high (LH). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with least significant difference post hoc test was used to compare differences in adiposity between the LTPA groups.&#x0D; Results BMI at each measurement wave strongly predicted subsequent BMI (standardized path coefficients ranged from 0.87 to 0.95, p &lt; 0.001 for all). Similar pattern was observed for LTPA and physical inactivity, though the path coefficients tended to be notably smaller. This auto-regressive part of the model indicates that the temporal stability of BMI from childhood to early adulthood is higher than the temporal stability of LTPA or physical inactivity over the same time period.&#x0D; The cross-lagged effects indicated that higher BMI at baseline and at 4-year follow-up predicted lower LTPA at 2-year and 7-year follow-ups, respectively (p&lt;0.05 for both), but LTPA did not predict subsequent BMI at any time point. Similarly, higher FMI at baseline and at 2-year follow-up predicted lower LTPA at subsequent follow-up waves (p&lt;0.05 for both). No associations were found between sedentary time and adiposity between any time points.&#x0D; The difference in participation in LTPA between consistently high and consistently low PA groups were on average 4 hours per week (p&lt;0.001); however, no significant difference in FMI was found at baseline, 2-year or 7-year follow-up). Similarly, no significant difference in FMI was found between the groups whose LTPA level changed from high to low or from low to high. &#x0D; Conclusions Our results suggest that reduced physical activity in children and adolescents is the result of increased fatness rather than its cause. Current physical activity recommendations may not be sufficient to combat pediatric obesity.

The association between income and leisure-time physical activity is moderated by utilitarian lifestyles: A nationally representative US population (NHANES 1999–2014)

The objective of this study was to determine whether the relationship between income and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) persists after accounting for a person's utilitarian PA (all non-LTPA), sociodemographic characteristics and transportation PA. Data were from eight cycles (1999–2014) of the nationally representative samples of the US adult population from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 35,239). Whether the poverty income ratio (0–1.3, 1.3–1.86, 1.86+ [reference]) was associated with minutes of LTPA (moderate, vigorous) after stratifying for utilitarian PA (sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous) was assessed in multiple linear regressions adjusted for age, sex, race, education, marital status, weight status, hours worked, and minutes of transportation-related PA in the past week. Likelihood of meeting national physical activity recommendations was also assessed in multiple logistic regressions adjusting for the covariates described. For both sedentary and light utilitarian PA levels, compared to the reference, persons living in households of the lowest poverty income ratio were consistently associated with approximately 17–30 less minutes of moderate LTPA minutes per week, and 20–25 less minutes of vigorous LTPA across all survey cycles. Compared to the reference, the likelihood of meeting national PA recommendations was approximately 31–55% less for these households. The known association between lower income and lower LTPA persist, but is the most persistent and consistent for those with less active utilitarian (such as sedentary) lifestyles. Interventions aimed at increasing LTPA among people with low income and sedentary utilitarian lifestyles whether or not they are in the workforce are particularly needed.

Arterial stiffness but not physical activity levels and vascular endothelial function are altered in early/mid pregnancy in women who develop preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder that effects ~5–8% of all pregnancies and is characterized by de novo hypertension, proteinuria and multiple organ dysfunction in late gestation. Higher levels of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) are associated with lower risk of preterm delivery and preeclampsia in pregnancy. Women who develop preeclampsia demonstrate increased central artery stiffness and vascular endothelial dysfunction in early/mid gestation before clinical signs/symptoms of preeclampsia manifest. Therefore, we hypothesized that 1) higher total LTPA would be associated with lower arterial stiffness and higher vascular endothelial function during each trimester in pregnant women, and 2) compared with normal pregnancy, women who develop preeclampsia would demonstrate lower LTPA, higher arterial stiffness and lower endothelial function in early/mid gestation before signs of preeclampsia manifest. We enrolled 130 pregnant women in the first trimester (age 29.8 ± 0.4 yrs; BMI 28 ± 0.7 kg/m2) and studied them prospectively in the 1st (n=130; 11.8 ± 0.1 weeks gestation), 2nd (n=97; 22 ± 0.2 weeks) and 3rd (n=59; 34.2 ± 0.3 weeks) trimesters and obtained pregnancy outcomes (i.e., developed preeclampsia vs. normal pregnancy). Total LTPA (Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire) in metabolic equivalents (MET‐hrs/week), carotid artery β‐stiffness (carotid ultrasound and tonometry), aortic stiffness (carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity, CFPWV) and endothelial function (brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation, FMD) were assessed each trimester. In the entire cohort, there was no association between total LTPA and carotid β‐stiffness, CFPWV, FMD or BP in 1st (all P&gt;0.05), 2nd (all P&gt;0.05) or 3rd (all P&gt;0.05) trimesters, respectively. Out of the 104 women who delivered, 9 (8.7%) developed preeclampsia. Because 6 women in the preeclampsia group delivered prematurely, only 1st and 2nd trimester comparisons were made between the preeclampsia and normal pregnancy groups. There was no difference in LTPA between preeclampsia and normal pregnancy in the 1st (204 ± 31 vs. 182 ± 7 MET‐hrs/wk, P=0.41) and 2nd (145 ± 30 vs. 175 ± 8 MET‐hrs/wk, P=0.33) trimesters. In contrast, CFPWV and systolic BP were elevated in the 1st (5.9 ± 0.4 vs. 5.2 ± 0.1 m/sec, P=0.03; 121 ± 5 vs. 109 ± 0.9 mmHg P&lt;0.01) and 2nd (5.8 ± 0.6 vs. 4.9 ± 0.1m/sec, P&lt;0.01; 126 ± 5 vs. 106 ± 0.9 mmHg, P&lt;0.01) trimesters in preeclampsia and normal pregnancy, but carotid β‐stiffness was only elevated in the 1st trimester (7.42 ± 1.4 vs. 5.96 ± 0.17 U, P=0.05). Brachial artery FMD was not different between groups in 1st or 2nd trimester (both P&gt;0.05). These preliminary data suggest that LTPA is not associated with arterial stiffness or endothelial function throughout pregnancy and that LTPA is not lower in early/mid gestation in women who develop preeclampsia. Central artery stiffness and BP are elevated early in pregnancy in women who develop preeclampsia months before clinical signs/symptoms manifest.Support or Funding InformationAmerican Heart Association (15SFRN23730000; 17POST334410101), American Physiology Society STRIDE undergraduate summer research fellowship; National Institutes of Health (T32HL007121).This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Physical activity and calorie intake mediate the relationship from depression to body fat mass among female Mexican health workers

BackgroundDepression is a foremost cause of morbidity throughout the world and the prevalence of depression in women is about twice as high as men. Additionally, overweight and obesity are major global health concerns. We explored the relationship between depression and body fat, and the role of physical activity and diet as mediators of this relationship in a sample of 456 adult female Mexican health workers.MethodLongitudinal and cross-sectional analyses using data from adult women of the Health Workers Cohort Study (HWCS) Measures of body fat mass (kg from DEXA), dietary intake (kcal from FFQ), leisure time activity (METs/wk) and depression (CES-D) were determined in two waves (2004–2006 and 2010–2011). We explored the interrelation between body fat, diet, leisure time, physical activity, and depression using a cross-lagged effects model fitted to longitudinal data. We also fitted a structural equations model to cross-sectional data with body fat as the main outcome, and dietary intake and physical activity from leisure time as mediators between depression and body fat.ResultsBaseline depression was significantly related to higher depression, higher calorie intake, and lower leisure time physical activity at follow-up. From our cross-sectional model, each standard deviation increase in the depression score was associated with an average increase of 751 ± 259 g (± standard error) in body fat through the mediating effects of calorie intake and physical activity.ConclusionsThe results of this study show how depression may influence energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended, resulting in higher body fat among those with a greater depression score. Evaluating the role of mental conditions like depression in dietary and physical activity behaviors should be positioned as a key research goal for better designed and targeted public health interventions.Trial registrationThe HealthWorkers Cohort Study (HWCS) has been approved by the Institutional IRB. Number: 2005–785-012.

Relationship between physical activity and physical performance in later life in different birth weight groups.

There is strong evidence that physical activity (PA) has an influence on physical performance in later life. Also, a small body size at birth has been associated with lower physical functioning in older age and both small and high birth weight have shown to be associated with lower leisure time physical activity. However, it is unknown whether size at birth modulates the association between PA and physical performance in old age. We examined 695 individuals from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study born in Helsinki, Finland between 1934 and 1944. At a mean age of 70.7 years PA was objectively assessed with a multisensory activity monitor and physical performance with the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). Information on birth weight and gestational age was retrieved from hospital birth records. The study participants were divided in three birth weight groups, that is <3000 g, 3000-3499 g and ⩾3500 g. The volume of PA was significantly associated with the physical performance in all birth weight groups. However, the effect size of the association was large and significant only in men with a birth weight <3000 g (β 0.59; 95% confidence interval 0.37-0.81, P<0.001). Our study shows that the association between PA and physical performance is largest in men with low birth weight. Our results suggest that men with low birth weight might benefit most from engaging in PA in order to maintain a better physical performance.

Occupational Social Class and Personality Traits in Relation to Leisure-Time Physical Activity Level: Cross-Sectional Results From the Copenhagen Aging and Midlife Biobank.

To investigate separate and combined associations of occupational social class and personality traits with late midlife leisure-time physical activity duration and intensity. Cross-sectional data from the Copenhagen Aging and Midlife Biobank ( N = 4,649) were analyzed using linear regression models with leisure-time physical activity (metric equivalence) as outcome. Low versus high occupational social class was associated with 4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = [3%, 5%]) greater leisure-time physical activity duration, but 2% (CI = [1%, 3%]) lower intensity. Each 10-unit increase in extraversion was associated with 5% (CI = [2%, 8%]) greater duration. Intensity increased by each 10-unit increase in conscientiousness (6%, CI = [4%, 7%]), openness (3%, CI = [1%, 4%]), neuroticism (3%, CI = [1%, 4%]), and extraversion (5%, CI = [4%, 7%]). Conscientiousness was positively associated with duration in low, but not in high, occupational social class (interaction p value = .002). Higher occupational social class was associated with lower leisure-time physical activity duration, but higher intensity. Extraversion was positively associated with duration and intensity. Conscientiousness, openness, and neuroticism were positively associated with intensity. Overall, interactions were not consistent.

Lower C-reactive protein and better hemodialysis survival are associated with regular exercise activity: Longitudinal outcomes from the ACTIVE-ADIPOSE special study.

Introduction Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies in the general population have shown that a physically active lifestyle may have anti-inflammatory properties, but evidence from studies conducted with maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients is limited. Methods A multicenter prospective cohort of 755 HD participants aged 20-92 was evaluated in a USRDS special study 2009-2013. Kilocalories/week (kcal/week) of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) was estimated from the Minnesota Leisure Time Activity questionnaire. Predialysis serum samples were obtained concurrent with LTPA report date. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) examined association of participants' LTPA and log-normalized CRP across 24 months. Cox proportional hazards models investigated LTPA and survival over a median follow-up of 718 days. Findings Baseline median CRP concentration was lower for participants with 500+ kcal/week LTPA vs. those with <500 kcal/week LTPA (3.4 mg/L vs. 4.6 mg/L; P = 0.03). Participants who reported lower LTPA (<500 kcal/week) at both baseline and 12 months had a borderline significant increase in CRP concentration (within-group change 4.8 [1.9-10.4] to 5.8 [1.6-15.7]; P = 0.08). Lower LTPA was associated with higher log CRP over 24 months in adjusted GEE analyses (β coefficient = 0.16 [95% CI 0.02-0.31]; P = 0.03). 67/364 (18%) and 43/391 (11%) deaths occurred, respectively, among participants reporting <500 vs. 500+ kcal/week LTPA [adjusted mortality hazard ratio 1.63 (CI, 1.07, 2.47)]. Discussion The data suggest that increased estimated levels of LTPA, a physical activity/exercise opportunity widely applicable to HD patients, may be associated with lower CRP concentration as well as better survival outcome.

Excessive sitting at work and at home: Correlates of occupational sitting and TV viewing time in working adults.

BackgroundRecent evidence links sedentary behaviour (or too much sitting) with poorer health outcomes; many adults accumulate the majority of their daily sitting time through occupational sitting and TV viewing. To further the development and targeting of evidence-based strategies there is a need for identification of the factors associated with higher levels of these behaviours. This study examined socio-demographic and health-related correlates of occupational sitting and of combined high levels of occupational sitting/TV viewing time amongst working adults.MethodsParticipants were attendees of the third wave (2011/12) of the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) study who worked full-time (≥35 h/week; n = 1,235; 38 % women; mean ± SD age 53 ± 7 years). Logistic and multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted (separately for women and men) to assess cross-sectional associations of self-reported occupational sitting time (categorised as high/low based on the median) and also the combination of occupational sitting time/TV viewing time (high/low for each outcome), with a number of potential socio-demographic and health-related correlates.ResultsHigher levels of occupational sitting (>6 h/day) were associated with higher household income for both genders. Lower levels of occupational sitting were associated with being older (women only); and, for men only, having a blue collar occupation, having a technical/vocational educational attainment, and undertaking more leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). Attributes associated with high levels of both occupational sitting and TV viewing time included white collar occupation (men only), lower levels of LTPA (both genders), higher BMI (men), and higher energy consumption (women).ConclusionsHigher household income (both genders) and professional/managerial occupations (men only) were correlates of high occupational sitting time, relative to low occupational sitting time, while health-related factors (lower LTPA, higher BMI – men, and higher energy consumption – women) were associated with high levels of both occupational sitting and TV viewing time, relative to low occupational sitting and low TV viewing time. These findings suggest possible high-risk groups that may benefit from targeted interventions. Further research is needed on potentially modifiable environmental and social correlates of occupational sitting time, in order to inform workplace initiatives.