Stiffness In Healthy Adults Research Articles

Age-related annual changes in arterial stiffness in healthy adults: Insights from a large Korean cohort study

Background and aimsArterial stiffness, a known cardiovascular risk factor, is associated with increasing age and arteriosclerosis. This study examines age-related annual changes in arterial stiffness in a large cohort of healthy individuals without cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus. MethodsThe study included 195,405 Korean adults aged 30–79 years who attended a health check-up between 2006 and 2019. Arterial stiffness was assessed using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and the final cohort for the baPWV annual change analysis comprised 147,313 participants. ResultsThe study found that baPWV values increase progressively with age in both sexes, with the most notable changes occurring in the 70–79 age group. The spread in baPWV measurements, as indicated by the interquartile ranges, generally increases with age but was particularly pronounced in women in the 50s and 60s age groups, with men showing a greater spread in the 70–79 age group. The average annual change in baPWV (ΔbaPWV) values increased from 1.48 cm/s (95 % CI: 0.80–2.16) in the 30–39 age group to 23.72 cm/s (95 % CI: 16.25–31.19) in the 70–79 age group in men. Similarly, for women, the average ΔbaPWV values increased from 1.80 cm/s (95 % CI: 0.93–2.68) to 18.51 cm/s (95 % CI: 7.18–29.85) in the 30–39 and 70–79 age groups, respectively. The study observed that arterial stiffness in men consistently increases across all age groups, whereas in women, it does not significantly increase annually before age 50 but shows a steeper rise after this age. ConclusionsThis study emphasizes the progressive nature of arterial stiffness with aging in a healthy population. It highlights notable differences in the rate of progression and the distribution of baPWV between men and women, with men exhibiting a greater spread in the oldest age group.

Exploring the Association between Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Adults: Findings from the EvasCu Study.

(1) Background: Previous evidence has indicated a connection between a Mediterranean diet and cardiovascular disease. However, evidence for subclinical markers of cardiovascular disease, such as arterial stiffness, is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the associations between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), as assessed by the MEDAS-14 questionnaire, and arterial stiffness, as assessed by aortic pulse wave velocity, in healthy adults and according to sex. (2) A cross-sectional study including 386 healthy participants was performed in the EVasCu study. Adjusted and unadjusted differences in adherence to the MD and arterial stiffness were determined using Student's t test and ANCOVA for the total sample and according to sex. (3) Results: Our results showed that individuals with a high adherence to the MD had a greater arterial stiffness, both in the total sample and in females, although this difference was not significant after adjusting for possible confounding variables, such as age. (4) Conclusions: Our findings indicated that, in the unadjusted analyses, healthy subjects with a high adherence to the MD showed a greater arterial stiffness. When these analyses were adjusted, no significant differences were shown in a-PWv according to the categories of MD adherence.

Exploring the Influence of Insulin Resistance on Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Adults: From the Metabolic and Cardiovascular Health Insights of the EVasCu Study.

Previous evidence associates insulin resistance with arterial stiffness in various pathologies, yet limited reports exist in healthy adults. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the association between insulin resistance and arterial stiffness in healthy adults. The cross-sectional EVasCu study enrolled 390 participants (42.05 ± 13.15 years). ANCOVAs, unadjusted (model 1) and adjusted (model 2), explored the association between arterial stiffness markers (aortic Pulse Wave Velocity [aPWV], Augmentation Index [AIx@75] and Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index [CAVI]), and insulin resistance markers (Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR], Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index [QUICKI] and Triglycerides-Glucose [TyG]). In model 1, all insulin resistance markers were associated with aPWV, HOMA-IR and QUICKI were associated with AIx@75, and the TyG index was associated with CAVI. In model 2, HOMA-IR and QUICKI increased aPWV by 0.179 and 0.156 m/s (p = 0.001 and p = 0.011), and AIx@75 by 4.17 and 5.39% (p = 0.009 and p = 0.003). The EVasCu study offers valuable insights into the relationship between insulin resistance and arterial stiffness in healthy adults, providing a deeper understanding of metabolic and cardiovascular health. By examining this influence, we embark on an intriguing exploration of how these factors interplay in the human body.

Feasibility and Measurement Value of Pancreatic 2-D Shear Wave Elastography in Healthy Adults: Evaluation, Influencing Factors, Reference Range, Measurement Stability and Reproducibility

The present study was aimed at assessing the success rate and measurement value, determining the influencing factors and reference range and examining the intra-operator stability and inter-operator reproducibility of pancreatic 2-D shear wave elastography (SWE) measurement in healthy adults. In 2022, 387 healthy adults were prospectively recruited. Logistic regression and linear regression analyses were used to explore the factors influencing the success rate and the measurement value of pancreatic 2-D SWE measurement, respectively. A two-sided 95% reference range was estimated accordingly. The intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to evaluate the intra-operator stability and inter-operator reproducibility of the pancreatic 2-D SWE measurement. The pancreatic body (89.6%) bore the highest while the tail (72.8%) bore the lowest success rate of pancreatic 2-D SWE measurement. Sex and body mass index (BMI) were the independent factors influencing measurement success rate in all three parts of the pancreas. Mean measurement values (Emean) were not the same in the three parts of the pancreas of the same participant. BMI and image depth were the independent factors influencing Emean in the pancreatic body, while region of interest depth and BMI were the only independent factors influencing Emean in the pancreatic head and tail, respectively. The intra-operator stability of pancreatic 2-D SWE measurement was found to be excellent, whereas its inter-operator reproducibility was poor to good. Pancreatic 2-D SWE is a reliable technique for evaluating pancreatic stiffness in healthy adults, but its success rate and measurement value are influenced by multiple factors.

Effects of Resistance Training Intensity on Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Adults

PURPOSE: Resistance exercise is an effective behavioral intervention for improving skeletal muscle mass and strength, and preventing sarcopenia. However, the effects of resistance exercise on arterial stiffness remain controversial. This study aimed to organize and analyze the effects of resistance training intensity on arterial stiffness in healthy adults without overt clinical disease.METHODS: A thorough literature search was conducted to retrieve original research articles between 2000 and 2023 using the PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases.RESULTS: Long-term low-intensity resistance training (RT) was deemed a safe exercise intervention that can maintain or decrease arterial stiffness and increase muscle strength. Moreover, moderate-intensity RT was effective in improving muscle strength and hypertrophy but did not reduce arterial stiffness. High-intensity RT was an excellent intervention for enhancing muscle strength. However, a potential risk of increasing both central and peripheral artery stiffness in young adults was present.CONCLUSIONS: Compared to low-intensity RT, moderate-to-high-intensity RT was more effective in improving muscle strength and hypertrophy, but may increase arterial stiffness.

4Dimensional XStrain Echocardiography: M-mode and Tissue Doppler Estimation of Age and Gender Specific Normative Values of Aortic Stiffness in Healthy Adults during Covid-19 Pandemic.

The elastic properties of the aorta are modified in numerous cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular diseases. Multiple studies have evaluated aortic stiffness in myriads of disease state, albeit only few Indian studies have estimated the normal values of aortic stiffness in healthy population. To the best of our knowledge, till date no research has been undertaken to determine the age and gender specific value ranges of aortic stiffness parameters in healthy subjects. Hence, in the present study we endeavoured to estimate these values in our distinctive study groups of healthy adults. This was a prospective observational study in which 58 healthy adults were enrolled during the turbulent corona pandemic. Study group was of the age group 18-60 years of either sex and was arbitrarily divided into six groups. Exhaustive M-mode and Tissue doppler Imaging was performed by 4Dimensional XStrain echocardiography system for extensive evaluation of multiple M-mode and Tissue Doppler imaging derived parameters of Aortic stiffness and superior wall velocities of ascending aorta. AOS, AOD, Aortic strain, and elasticity modulus were greater in males. On the contrary Aortic superior wall velocities (SAO, EAO, and AAO) were higher in females. Increasing age led to a decline in majority of stiffness parameters derived by M-mode echocardiography. Correspondingly EAO determined by TDI of superior wall of aorta, showed a deterioration with advancing age. The authors report a normal range of M-mode and TDI derived values of Aortic stiffness of ascending aorta, in healthy Indian adults. Difference in magnitude of aortic elasticity indices has been demonstrated in men and women, as well as in different subsets of the study group.

Ongoing Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Adults.

There are limited data on the arterial stiffness changes after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The present study evaluated the changes in arterial stiffness in completely healthy patients who had a SARS-CoV-2 infection using the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI). The study included 70 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection between December 2020 and June 2021. A cardiac evaluation was carried out, including chest X-ray, electrocardiography (ECG), and echocardiography in all patients. Within the 1st month and 7th month CAVI was measured. Mean age was 37.8 ± 10.0years, and 41/70 were female. Mean height was 168.6 ± 9.5cm, mean weight 73.2 ± 15.1kg, and mean body mass index (BMI) of the group was 25.6 ± 4.2, respectively. CAVI results from the right arm were 6.45 ± .95 at 1-month follow-up and 6.68 ± 1.05 at 7months follow-up (P = .016) and from the left arm were 6.43 ± 1.0 at 1-month follow-up, 6.70 ± 1.05 at 7-month follow-up (P = .005). Our results showed an ongoing injury in the arterial system after healthy SARS-COV-2 patients during 7months, as represented by CAVI measurements.

M-mode and tissue doppler estimation of age and gender-specific normative values of aortic stiffness in healthy adults

Background:The elastic properties of the aorta are modified in numerous cardiovascular (CV) and non-cardiovascular (non-CV) diseases. Multiple studies have evaluated aortic stiffness in myriads of disease state, albeit only a few Indian studies have estimated the normal values of aortic stiffness in the healthy population. Objective: To the best of our knowledge, till date, no research has been undertaken to determine the age and gender-specific value ranges of aortic stiffness parameters in healthy subjects. Hence, in the present study, we endeavored to estimate these values in our distinctive study groups of healthy adults. Methodology: This was a prospective observational study in which 58 healthy adults were enrolled during the turbulent Corona pandemic. The study group consisted of individuals of either sex within the age range of 18 to 60 years and was divided into six groups arbitrarily. Exhaustive M-mode and Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) was performed by a 4-dimensional XStrain echocardiography (4D XStrain E) system for extensive evaluation of multiple M-mode and TDI-derived parameters of aortic stiffness and superior wall velocities of ascending aorta. Result: Aortic Systolic diameter (AOS), Aortic Diastolic diameter (AOD), aortic strain, and elasticity modulus were greater in males. On the contrary aortic superior wall velocities (SAO: Aortic superior wall velocity, EAO: Early diastolic velocity, and AAO: Late diastole velocity) were higher in females. Increasing age leads to a decline in the majority of stiffness parameters derived by M-mode echocardiography. Correspondingly, EAO showed a deterioration with advancing age. Conclusion: The authors report a normal range of M-mode and TDI-derived values of aortic stiffness of ascending aorta in healthy Indian adults. The difference in magnitude of aortic elasticity indices has been demonstrated in men and women, as well as in different subsets of the study group.

Assessment of Liver Stiffness by Shear Wave Elastography in Healthy Liver in a Tertiary Center

Introduction: The main aim of this study was to determine the mean value of liver stiffness in healthy adults using S-Shear wave elastography and compare liver stiffness with gender, age and BMI. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Radiology, BPKIHS over 6 months after taking ethical approval from the institutional review committee. Ninety-six adults referred for ultrasonography of the abdomen for various indications were included in the study Results: Mean shear wave velocity of the healthy liver in the study subjects was 1.267±0.151m/s.The corresponding mean value of liver stiffness was 4.91±1.15 kPa. The mean liver stiffness was higher in males compared to females (5.283±1.08 kPa vs. 4.689±1.13 kPa) which were statistically significant (p=0.0013). Mean liver stiffness was highest in the age group of 70-79 years (6.7±0.80 kPa) compared to other age groups. There were significant differences between the mean liver stiffness values among different age groups (p=0.01). Patients in the obese class I category showed higher mean liver stiffness value (5.54±0.42 kPa) than other BMI categories. However, mean liver stiffness values showed no significant difference among different BMI groups (p=0.322). Conclusions: Liver stiffness values measured using S-Shear wave elastography in healthy adults ranged between 2.4 kPA to 7.4 kPa.There were significant differences in mean liver stiffness values between men and women and among different age groups. However, no significant difference was found among different BMI categories.

Association between Alcohol Intake and Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review.

Background: Arterial stiffness as assessed by Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) represents an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. Several dietary compounds and lifestyle factors could influence arterial stiffness. The debate on the significance of the correlation between alcohol consumption and arterial stiffness is still open, given that the relationship is complex and potentially affected by several factors such as alcohol type, consumption levels, gender and age differences. Objective: This systematic literature review aims to examine the evidence supporting an association between alcohol use and PWV, in electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library, from January 2010 to November 2020. Screening and full-text reviews were performed by three investigators and data extraction by two. Considering the significant heterogeneity of data only a qualitative analysis (systematic review) was performed. Results: A total of 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Alcohol consumption was independently associated with arterial stiffness in a J-shaped way in most of the studies included. A benefit of alcohol consumption on arterial stiffness was found in four experimental studies, whilst an unfavorable increasing linear association was found in four others. Associations were confirmed with both oscillometric and tonometric PWV assessment methods. In some studies, a gender and age correlation was found with a more pronounced association in older males. In all studies elevated levels of alcohol consumption were associated with a worsening of arterial stiffness. Conclusions: Despite the variable findings across studies, the current review provides preliminary evidence that light-to-moderate alcohol consumption is associated with arterial stiffness values lower than expected, and evidence that high doses accelerate arterial ageing. These findings could be useful for clinicians who provide recommendations for patients at cardiovascular (CV) risk. Nevertheless, given the heterogeneity of study designs, interventions, measurement methods and statistical evaluations, the protective role of moderate alcohol consumption on arterial stiffness is likely but not certain, warranting additional trials and evidence.

Determination of Reference Values of the Masseter Muscle Stiffness in Healthy Adults Using Shear Wave Elastography.

Shear wave elastography (SWE) is an objective and reliable method for the assessment of muscles and internal organs. Every organ exhibits its own stiffness characteristics and hence requires individual reference values. We aimed to determine the reference values of stiffness of the masseter muscle in healthy adult individuals using SWE. We analyzed the data of 140 participants (74 men, 66 women) with a median age of 50 years. The overall mean elasticity was 10.67 ± 1.77 kPa. The average values were lower by 2.25 kPa (9.15%) in women compared to men (9.48 ± 1.47 kPa vs. 11.73 ± 1.27 kPa; p < 0.0001). The values of stiffness increased with age, with a correlation coefficient of about 0.35 and a p < 0.0001. Age was a significant influencing factor of masseter muscle stiffness. The left and right masseters had similar stiffness. We conclude that stiffness values are significantly lower in women than in men with a difference of 9%. Age significantly influences the stiffness of masseter muscle, and the values of stiffness increase significantly with age, particularly in men. However, further studies are required to determine the precise ranges of stiffness accounting for age and sex in healthy subjects and people with disorders and conditions of the masticatory system.

Actigraphy-derived Sleep Metrics Are Not Related To Central Hemodynamics Or Arterial Stiffness In Healthy Adults

Insufficient sleep is an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease. PURPOSE: To evaluate the hypothesis that decrements in vascular function, due to poor sleep, may serve as a mechanistic link between sleep and cardiovascular disease, we explored relationships of actigraphy-derived sleep metrics with central hemodynamics and arterial stiffness in healthy young adults. METHODS: A total of 23 women and 27 men (23 ± 5 yrs), free of known cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal disease, and not using sleep medication, participated in this study. ActiGraph GT9X wrist-worn accelerometers were used to measure sleep efficiency, total sleep time, wake after sleep onset, and number of awakenings over a seven-day period. Vascular health measures including central pressures and augmentation index at a heart rate of 75 beats per minute (AIx75) were quantified via pulse wave analysis, and carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) was assessed using applanation tonometry. Gender-specific z-scores for each of the sleep metrics were summed to assign each participant a “sleep score” (higher score = better sleep), and relationships between sleep scores and vascular health measures were explored using Pearson correlation coefficients. RESULTS: In men, sleep score (range: -4.92 to 9.10) was not related (P > 0.05) to central systolic (114 ± 15 mmHg, r = -0.26) or diastolic (72 ± 7 mmHg, r = -0.21) pressures. Similarly, in women, sleep score (range: -5.02 to 5.34) was not related (P > 0.05) to central systolic (103 ± 11 mmHg, r = -0.09) or diastolic (72 ± 10 mmHg, r = -0.21) pressures. Sleep score also failed to predict (P > 0.05) indices of arterial stiffness, AIx75 (men = 3.1 ± 12.3%, r = 0.04; women = 5.2 ± 9.5%, r = -0.25) and cf-PWV (men = 6.2 ± 0.8 m/s, r = -0.12; women = 5.7 ± 0.5 m/s, r = -0.10). CONCLUSIONS: In young healthy individuals, actigraphy-derived sleep characteristics were not related to central hemodynamics or non-invasive indices of arterial stiffness. Previously documented relationships between sleep and vascular function may be limited to less healthy populations, poorer sleepers, or only for certain sleep metrics.

071 Actigraphy-Derived Sleep Metrics are Not Related to Central Hemodynamics or Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Adults

Abstract Introduction Insufficient sleep is an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease. To evaluate the hypothesis that decrements in vascular function, due to poor sleep, may serve as a mechanistic link between sleep and cardiovascular disease, we explored relationships of actigraphy-derived sleep metrics with central hemodynamics and arterial stiffness in healthy young adults. Methods A total of 23 women and 27 men (23±5 yrs), free of known cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal disease, and not using sleep medication, participated in this study. ActiGraph GT9X wrist-worn accelerometers were used to measure sleep efficiency, total sleep time, wake after sleep onset, and number of awakenings over a seven-day period. Vascular health measures including central pressures and augmentation index at a heart rate of 75 beats per minute (AIx@75) were quantified via pulse wave analysis, and carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) was assessed using applanation tonometry. Gender-specific z-scores for each of the sleep metrics were summed to assign each participant a “sleep score” (higher score = better sleep), and relationships between sleep scores and vascular health measures were explored using Pearson correlation coefficients. Results In men, sleep score (range: -4.92 to 9.10) was not related (P&amp;gt;0.05) to central systolic (114±15 mmHg, r=-0.26) or diastolic (72±7 mmHg, r=-0.21) pressures. Similarly, in women, sleep score (range: -5.02 to 5.34) was not related (P&amp;gt;0.05) to central systolic (103±11 mmHg, r=-0.09) or diastolic (72±10 mmHg, r=-0.21) pressures. Sleep score also failed to predict (P&amp;gt;0.05) indices of arterial stiffness, AIx@75 (men = 3.1±12.3, r=0.04; women = 5.2±9.5, r=-0.25) and cf-PWV (men = 6.2±0.8 m/s, r=-0.12; women = 5.7±0.5 m/s, r=-0.10). Conclusion In young healthy individuals, actigraphy-derived sleep characteristics were not related to central hemodynamics or non-invasive indices of arterial stiffness. Previously documented relationships between sleep and vascular function may be limited to less healthy populations, poorer sleepers, or only for certain sleep metrics. Support (if any):

Concurrent validity and intrarater reliability of two ultrasound-based methods for assessing patellar tendon stiffness.

IntroductionAssessment of tendon stiffness in vivo traditionally involves maximal muscle contractions, which can be challenging in pain populations. Alternative methods are suggested, although the clinimetric properties are sparse. This study investigated the concurrent validity and the intrarater reliability of two ultrasound-based methods for assessing patellar tendon stiffness.MethodsPatellar tendon stiffness was assessed in 17 healthy adults with (a) the dynamometer and B-mode ultrasonography method (DBUS) and (b) the strain elastography method. Correlations between the two methods were analysed using Kendall’s Tau-b. The relative reliability of both methods was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The absolute reliability was presented by Bland–Altman plots, standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimum detectable change (MDC).ResultsNo correlation was found between the two methods, irrespective of reference tissue in strain elastography (Kendall’s Tau-b Hoffa = –0.01 (p = 1.00), Kendall’s Tau-b subcutis = 0.04 (p = 0.87)). Tracking of the tendon elongation in the DBUS method had good to excellent relative reliability (ICC = 0.95 (95% confidence interval – CI: 0.85–0.98)) and high absolute reliability (SEM = 0.04 mm (1%), MDC = 0.11 mm (3%)). The strain elastography method had good to excellent relative reliability, regardless of reference tissue (ICC Hoffa = 0.95 (95% CI: 0.86–0.98), ICC subcutis = 0.94 (95% CI: 0.82–0.98)), but low absolute reliability (SEM Hoffa = 0.06 (20%), MDC Hoffa = 0.18 (60%), SEM subcutis = 0.12 (41%), MDC subcutis = 0.32 (110%)).ConclusionsNo concurrent validity existed for DBUS and strain elastography, suggesting that the two methods measure different tendon properties. The overall reliability for the DBUS method was high, but the absolute reliability was low for strain elastography stiffness ratios. Therefore, the strain elastography method may not be recommended for tracking differences in patellar tendon stiffness in healthy adults.

The Acute Effect of Exercise on Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Subjects: A Meta-Analysis

Arterial stiffness has been shown to be a subclinical marker associated with cardiovascular disease. Meanwhile, long-term exercise has been demonstrated to reduce arterial stiffness, providing a decrease in cardiovascular risk. However, the acute effect of exercise on arterial stiffness is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the acute effect of exercise interventions on arterial stiffness in healthy adults. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE (via Pubmed), Scopus, and Web of Science databases, from their inception to 30 June 2020. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the acute effect of exercise on arterial stiffness using random-effects models to calculate pooled effect size estimates and their corresponding 95% CI. Pulse wave velocity was measured as an arterial stiffness index. The 30 studies included in the meta-analysis showed that pulse wave velocity was not modified immediately after exercise (0 min post) (ES: 0.02; 95% CI: −0.22, 0.26), but subsequently decreased 30 min after exercise (ES: −0.27; 95% CI: −0.43, −0.12). Thereafter, pulse wave velocity increased to its initial value 24 h after exercise (ES: −0.07; 95% CI: −0.21, 0.07). Our results show that, although there is a significant reduction in pulse wave velocity 30 min after exercise, the levels of arterial stiffness return to their basal levels after 24 h. These findings could imply that, in order to achieve improvements in pulse wave velocity, exercise should be performed on a daily basis.

Insulin Stimulation Reduces Arterial Stiffness In Adults With Metabolic Syndrome

PURPOSE: Adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS) have increased fasting arterial stiffness compared with healthy counterparts, and this, in turn, increases risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cardiac events. Although insulin acts to reduce arterial stiffness in healthy adults, the effects in obese individuals with MetS are unclear. We hypothesized that insulin stimulation would reduce measures of arterial stiffness in relation to aerobic fitness and body fat. METHODS: Thirty-one obese adults (24F; 53.7±6.0yrs; 37.4±4.8kg/m2) were screened for MetS (NCEP ATP III criteria) following an overnight fast. Augmentation index (AIx), augmentation pressure (AP) and brachial systolic (bSBP) and diastolic blood pressure (bDBP) were assessed using SphygmoCor before and after a 2hr euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (90 mg/dl, 40 mU/m2/min). Aerobic fitness (VO2peak; ml/kg/min) was measured through a treadmill protocol while body fat (BF; %) was determined using DEXA. RESULTS: Compared to fasting, insulin significantly reduced AIx (28.5 ± 9.9 vs. 23.2 ± 9.9%, P<0.01) and AP (15.1 ± 6.7 vs. 21.1 ± 5.8 mmHg, P<0.01). However, there was no effect of insulin on bSBP (P=0.19) or bDBP (P=0.21). Fasting AIx and AP correlated with VO2peak (r=-0.42, P=0.02 and r=-0.37, P=0.04) and BF (r=0.64, P<0.01 and r=0.68, P<0.01). Interestingly, neither the change in AIx nor AP from fasting to insulin stimulation correlated with VO2peak (r=-0.18, P=0.33 and r=-0.12, P=0.95) or BF (r=-0.29, P=0.24 and r=-0.17, P=0.58). CONCLUSION: Insulin stimulation reduces indices of arterial stiffness in adults with MetS. While high aerobic fitness and lower BF may contribute to less arterial stiffness in the fasted state, they were not associated with insulin action. This suggests that insulin impacts arterial stiffness through another mechanism. Future research is warranted to determine the role of insulin on arterial health in order to optimize CVD prevention/treatment. Funding was supported by the National Institutes of Health RO1-HL130296.

Pulse Wave Velocity Is Associated with Increased Plasma oxLDL in Ageing but Not with FGF21 and Habitual Exercise.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and adiponectin increase the expression of genes involved in antioxidant pathways, but their roles in mediating oxidative stress and arterial stiffness with ageing and habitual exercise remain unknown. We explored the role of the FGF21–adiponectin axis in mediating oxidative stress and arterial stiffness with ageing and habitual exercise. Eighty age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were assigned to younger sedentary or active (18–36 years old, n = 20 each) and older sedentary or active (45–80 years old, n = 20 each) groups. Arterial stiffness was measured indirectly using pulse wave velocity (PWV). Fasted plasma concentrations of FGF21, adiponectin and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) were measured. PWV was 0.2-fold higher and oxLDL concentration was 25.6% higher (both p < 0.001) in older than younger adults, despite no difference in FGF21 concentration (p = 0.097) between age groups. PWV (p = 0.09) and oxLDL concentration (p = 0.275) did not differ between activity groups but FGF21 concentration was 9% lower in active than sedentary individuals (p = 0.011). Adiponectin concentration did not differ by age (p = 0.642) or exercise habits (p = 0.821). In conclusion, age, but not habitual exercise, was associated with higher oxidative stress and arterial stiffness. FGF21 and adiponectin did not differ between younger and older adults, meaning that it is unlikely that they mediate oxidative stress and arterial stiffness in healthy adults.

Test–retest reliability of the OptoGait system for the analysis of spatiotemporal running gait parameters and lower body stiffness in healthy adults

Despite the widespread use of the OptoGait photoelectric cell system for the analysis of running spatiotemporal parameters, its reliability has not been proved. Consequently, this study intends to determine the test–retest reliability of the system when applied to treadmill running spatiotemporal parameters and lower body stiffness at a constant velocity. Amateur endurance runners (n = 31; age: 34.42 ± 9.26 years; height: 171.54 ± 9.15 cm; body mass: 66.63 ± 11.3 kg) voluntarily consented to participate in this study. Data for each participant were recorded twice per session across two testing sessions. The intra-session and inter-session reliabilities of spatiotemporal parameters and lower body stiffness were determined through test–retest analysis. Although mean comparisons revealed significant differences between measurements in spatiotemporal running gait characteristics and lower body stiffness for intra-session (p &lt; 0.05 in all parameters), the effect size was always small (&lt;0.4). Moreover, the relationship between measurements was very large for spatiotemporal parameters and lower body stiffness (r &gt; 0.7). The intraclass correlation coefficients revealed an almost perfect correlation between measurements (intraclass correlation coefficients &gt;0.81), except Kleg with substantial reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.788). The inter-session reliability revealed some significant differences in contact time (p = 0.009) and Kleg (p = 0.013), although Cohen’s d indicated small effect size (&lt;0.31). The relationship between sessions was very large for spatiotemporal parameters and lower body stiffness (r &gt; 0.8), and the intraclass correlation coefficients revealed an almost perfect inter-session association (intraclass correlation coefficients &gt;0.881). The results found here show that the OptoGait system can be used confidently for running spatiotemporal parameters analysis and lower body stiffness at a constant velocity for healthy adults.

Aortic and Systemic Arterial Stiffness Responses to Acute Exercise in Patients With Small Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Elevated arterial stiffness is a characteristic of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and is associated with AAA growth and cardiovascular mortality. A bout of exercise transiently reduces aortic and systemic arterial stiffness in healthy adults. Whether the same response occurs in patients with AAA is unknown. The effect of moderate- and higher intensity exercise on arterial stiffness was assessed in patients with AAA and healthy adults. Twenty-two men with small diameter AAAs (36±5mm; mean age 74±6 years) and 22 healthy adults (mean age 72±5 years) were included. Aortic stiffness was measured using carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), and systemic arterial stiffness was estimated from the wave reflection magnitude (RM) and augmentation index (Alx75). Measurements were performed at rest and during 90min of recovery following three separate test sessions in a randomised order: (i) moderate intensity continuous exercise; (ii) higher intensity interval exercise; or (iii) seated rest. At rest, PWV was higher in patients with AAA than in healthy adults (p<.001), while AIx75 and RM were similar between groups. No differences were observed between AAA patients and healthy adults in post-exercise aortic and systemic arterial stiffness after either exercise protocol. When assessed as the change from baseline (delta, Δ), post-exercise ΔAIx75 was not different to the seated rest protocol. Conversely, post-exercise ΔPWV and ΔRM were both lower at all time points than seated rest (p<.001). ΔPWV was lower immediately after higher intensity than after moderate intensity exercise (p=.015). High resting aortic stiffness in patients with AAA is not exacerbated after exercise. There was a similar post-exercise attenuation in arterial stiffness between patients with AAA and healthy adults compared with seated rest. This effect was most pronounced following higher intensity interval exercise, suggesting that this form of exercise may be a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for patients with small AAAs.

Associations between carotid artery longitudinal wall motion and arterial stiffness indicators in young children

Background and aimsCarotid artery longitudinal wall motion (CALM) is associated with established indicators of arterial stiffness in healthy adults and in adults with cardiovascular disease risk factors. CALM assessment may be more feasible for incorporation into routine clinical examination than traditional assessments of arterial stiffness; however, the relationship between CALM and arterial stiffness in children has not been established. MethodsData were collected from a subset of children participating in the Health Outcomes and Physical activity in Preschoolers study. CALM was characterized by segmental longitudinal wall displacement, velocity, and acceleration. Arterial stiffness was measured using whole-body pulse wave velocity (PWV) and carotid artery β-stiffness index. Associations between CALM and arterial stiffness and the influence of age, sex, and height on those associations were determined. ResultsOne hundred and ninety-one children (ages 5.0–8.0 years) were included in the analyses. Systolic retrograde (r = -0.20, p = 0.01) and maximum (r = -0.15, p = 0.04) CALM displacements were weakly correlated with PWV while systolic anterograde and diastolic CALM displacements and wall velocities and accelerations were not correlated with PWV (r = -0.12 to −0.03, p = 0.10 to 0.64). There were no significant correlations between any CALM outcome and β-stiffness index (r = -0.12 to 0.10; p > 0.05). Associations were attenuated after adjusting for age, sex, and height. ConclusionsHigher arterial stiffness, measured by PWV, but not β-stiffness, is weakly associated with less longitudinal movement of the common carotid artery in young, healthy children indicating CALM measurement is not a strong candidate for clinical assessment of arterial stiffness in children.