Stiffness In Older Adults Research Articles

Effects of Exercise and Weight Loss on Proximal Aortic Stiffness in Older Adults With Obesity.

Obesity may accelerate age-related increases in aortic stiffness. Although aerobic exercise training generally has favorable effects on aortic structure and function, exercise alone may not be sufficient to improve aortic stiffness in older adults with obesity. We determined the effects of aerobic exercise training with and without moderate- to high-caloric restriction (CR) on the structure and function of the proximal aorta in 160 older (65-79 years) men and women with obesity (body mass index=30-45 kg/m2). Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: aerobic exercise training only (treadmill 4 days/week for 30 minutes at 65% to 70% of heart rate reserve; n=56), aerobic exercise training plus moderate CR (n=55), or aerobic exercise training plus more intensive CR (n=49) for 20 weeks. Aortic pulse wave velocity, aortic distensibility, and other measures of aortic structure and function were assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. Pearson correlation coefficients were examined to assess associations between changes in proximal aortic stiffness and changes in fitness, fatness, and other potential confounders. Weight loss in the aerobic exercise training plus moderate CR (-8.0 kg [95% CI, -9.17 to -6.87]) and aerobic exercise training plus more intensive CR (-8.98 kg [95% CI, -10.23 to -7.73) groups was significantly greater compared with the aerobic exercise training-only group (-1.66 kg [95% CI, -2.94 to -0.38]; P<0.017 for both). There were significant treatment effects for descending aorta distensibility (P=0.008) and strain (P=0.004) and aortic arch pulse wave velocity (P=0.01) with the aerobic exercise training plus moderate CR group having a 21% increase in distensibility (P=0.016) and an 8% decrease in pulse wave velocity (P=0.058). None of the aortic stiffness measures changed significantly in the aerobic exercise training-only or aerobic exercise training plus more intensive CR groups, and there were no significant changes in any other measure of aortic structure or function in these groups. Overall, increases in aortic distensibility were correlated with improvements in body weight and body fat distribution, but these associations were not statistically significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. In older adults with obesity, combining aerobic exercise with moderate CR leads to greater improvements in proximal aortic stiffness than exercise alone. Registration: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01048736.

Abstract P057: The Association Of Diabetes Duration With Central Artery Stiffness And Its 5-year Change Among Older Adults: The Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities Study (ARIC).

Background: Central artery stiffness is a predictor of cardiovascular risk and mortality among individuals with diabetes. Few studies examined whether the duration of diabetes relates to arterial stiffening and its rate of progression. Objective: To examine the association of diabetes duration from midlife to older adulthood with arterial stiffness and its 5-year change. Methods: Diabetes (defined by fasting glycemia level &gt;126 mg/dl or use of glucose lowering agents or self-reported) was ascertained at visit 1 (1988-1990), on repeated examinations and on telephone follow-up calls of 2,155 ARIC cohort members (58% women, 20% black, mean age 74 years), as well as time since ascertainment of diabetes. Carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), a measure of central artery stiffness, was obtained at cohort visits 5 (2011-13) and 6 or 7 (2016-19). Associations of duration of diabetes with visit 5 cfPWV and the 5-year cfPWV change from visit 5 to visit 6 or 7 were evaluated by multivariable linear regression adjusted for demographic factors. Results: Among study participants with diabetes ascertained from midlife to older adulthood (n=639 (29%)), the mean cfPWV at visit 5 was 78.6, 95%CI (52.9, 104.4) cm/s greater than those without diabetes. Over a mean of 4.9 (SD 3) years of follow-up, cfPWV increased by a median 137 cm/s. The 5-year change in cfPWV was 40.5, 95%CI (12.3, 68.8) cm/s greater among those with diabetes, as compared to those without diabetes. The mean diabetes duration was 8.1(SD 6.8) years for participants with diabetes. After adjusting for demographic factors, we observed a positive association of diabetes duration with the 5-year change in cfPWV in older adulthood (Figure). Conclusion: Duration of diabetes was associated with a greater rate of progression of central arterial stiffness in older adults.

Effects of MitoQ on Central Hemodynamics, Arterial Stiffness, and Oxidative Stress In Healthy, Young Adults

PURPOSE Cardiovascular disease is characterized by blood pressure (BP) dysregulation and vascular dysfunction, secondary to vascular oxidative stress. Exogenous antioxidants mitigate vascular oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). MitoQ, a mitochondrial specific antioxidant improves vascular function and reduces elevated arterial stiffness in older adults. However, it is unclear if MitoQ improves vascular function in healthy young adults for primary prevention purposes. Therefore, central hemodynamics, arterial stiffness, and measures of oxidative stress were assessed in healthy young adults before and after acute MitoQ (or placebo) supplementation. METHODS Eleven participants (six females, age: 26±4 years, BMI: 25±3 kg/m2, screening BP: 109±10/65±4 mmHg, Mean±SD) reported to our laboratory for two separate sessions (crossover design) and randomly assigned either a placebo or MitoQ protocol (100-160mg, depending on body mass). Sessions were separated by ≥72-hour wash out period. Laboratory measures were performed before and 45 minutes after MitoQ (or placebo) capsules were ingested. Following ≥10 minutes of quiet rest, triplicate readings of brachial (oscillometric) and aortic BP (SphygmoCor) were obtained. We assessed carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index as indices of arterial stiffness. We obtained blood samples via intravenous catheter placement to assess ROS levels with electron paramagnetic resonance and plasma superoxide dismutase activity using an enzymatic assay kit. 2-way ANOVAs were performed to determine effects on treatment x time interaction. RESULTS No significant treatment x time interactions for brachial (p=0.52) and aortic (p=0.64) systolic BP readings, or brachial (p=0.34) and aortic (p=0.11) diastolic BP readings were observed. However, brachial systolic BP tended to modestly increase after capsule ingestion (placebo:114±8 to 118±9; MitoQ: 116±11 to 118±8; time: p=0.05). Carotid-femoral PWV did not change following placebo (4.3±0.7 to 4.5±0.8 m/s) or MitoQ (4.3±0.7 to 4.4±0.8 m/s) ingestion (time: p=0.35, interaction p=0.30). Augmentation index decreased from pre- to post- capsule ingestion for both placebo (14±9 to 11±8 %) and MitoQ (14±9 to 10±8 %; time: p<0.01) with no significant interaction (p=0.28). There was no significant treatment x time interaction for Blood ROS (p=0.99) concentration or plasma superoxide dismutase activity (p=0.89). CONCLUSIONS While additional data are needed to build our sample size and determine if there are racial or ethnic differences in responses, our preliminary findings suggest that acute MitoQ supplementation does not influence central hemodynamics or arterial stiffness in healthy, young adults.

Reliability of Bi-Axial Ankle Stiffness Measurement in Older Adults.

This study involves measurements of bi-axial ankle stiffness in older adults, where the ankle joint is passively moved along the talocrural and subtalar joints using a custom ankle movement trainer. A total of 15 elderly individuals participated in test–retest reliability measurements of bi-axial ankle stiffness at exactly one-week intervals for validation of the angular displacement in the device. The ankle’s range of motion was also compared, along with its stiffness. The kinematic measurements significantly corresponded to results from a marker-based motion capture system (dorsi-/plantar flexion: r = 0.996; inversion/eversion: r = 0.985). Bi-axial ankle stiffness measurements showed significant intra-class correlations (ICCs) between the two visits for all ankle movements at slower (2.14°/s, ICC = 0.712) and faster (9.77°/s, ICC = 0.879) speeds. Stiffness measurements along the talocrural joint were thus shown to have significant negative correlation with active ankle range of motion (r = −0.631, p = 0.012). The ankle movement trainer, based on anatomical characteristics, was thus used to demonstrate valid and reliable bi-axial ankle stiffness measurements for movements along the talocrural and subtalar joint axes. Reliable measurements of ankle stiffness may help clinicians and researchers when designing and fabricating ankle-foot orthosis for people with upper-motor neuron disorders, such as stroke.

Comparison of the Acute Effects of Hold-Relax and Static Stretching among Older Adults.

Simple SummaryIt is well known that stretching interventions are effective in improving age-related changes in range of motion (ROM) and muscle stiffness. We investigated the effects of various stretching interventions, such as static stretching and hold–relax stretching, on ROM and muscle stiffness in older adults to establish the most effective stretching technique. Our results showed that static stretching and hold–relax stretching increased ROM, which could be contributed by not change in muscle stiffness, but stretch tolerance. Conversely, medial gastrocnemius muscle stiffness decreased only after a static stretching intervention and not after hold–relax stretching. Our results indicated that static stretching intervention improved ROM and muscle stiffness in older adults.Various stretching techniques are generally recommended to counteract age-related declines in range of motion (ROM) and/or increased muscle stiffness. However, to date, an effective stretching technique has not yet been established for older adults. Consequently, we compared the acute effects of hold relax stretching (HRS) and static stretching (SS) on dorsiflexion (DF) ROM and muscle stiffness among older adults. Overall, 15 elderly men and nine elderly women (70.2 ± 3.9 years, 160.8 ± 7.8 cm, 59.6 ± 9.7 kg) were enrolled, and both legs were randomized to either HRS or SS stretching. We measured DF ROM and muscle stiffness using a dynamometer and ultrasonography before and after 120 s of HRS or SS interventions. Our multivariate analysis indicated no significant interaction effects, but a main effect for DF ROM. Post-hoc tests revealed that DF ROM was increased after both HRS and SS interventions. Moreover, multivariate analysis showed a significant interaction effect for muscle stiffness. Post-hoc tests revealed that muscle stiffness was decreased significantly after only SS intervention. Taken together, our results indicated that both HRS and SS interventions are recommended to increase ROM, and SS is recommended to decrease muscle stiffness in older adults.

Poor Walking Speed Is Associated With Higher Segment-Specific Arterial Stiffness in Older Adult Japanese Community Dwellers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Walking speed as one index of gait ability is an important component of physical fitness among older adults. Walking speed-arterial stiffness relationships have been studied, but whether poor walking speed is associated with higher segment-specific arterial stiffness in older adults is unclear. We thus aimed to examine the relationship between walking speed and segmental arterial stiffness among older community dwellers. This study was a cross-sectional study of 492 older Japanese community dwellers (age range, 65 to 96 years). Heart-brachial PWV (hbPWV), brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV), heart-ankle PWV (haPWV), and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) were used as arterial stiffness indices. Walking speed, strength, flexibility, and cognitive function were also assessed. The participants were categorized into low (Slow), middle (Middle), and high (Fast) tertiles according to walking speed. The CAVI and baPWV were significantly lower in Fast than in Slow. Significant decreasing trends in CAVI and baPWV and a tendency toward decreasing trend in haPWV were observed from Slow to Fast, whereas hbPWV did not significantly differ among tertiles and no trend was evident. The results remained significant after normalizing CAVI and PWVs for multicollinearity of arterial stiffness indices and major confounding factors, such as age, gender, body mass index, blood pressure, cognitive function, and each physical fitness. Therefore, these findings suggest that poor walking speed is associated with higher segment-specific arterial stiffness of the central and lower limbs, but not of upper, in older adult community dwellers.

Vascular Aging and Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults

Vascular Aging and Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults

Late-life voluntary wheel running reverses age-related aortic stiffness in mice: a translational model for studying mechanisms of exercise-mediated arterial de-stiffening.

Aortic stiffening, assessed as pulse-wave velocity (PWV), increases with age and is an important antecedent to, and independent predictor of, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and other clinical disorders of aging. Aerobic exercise promotes lower levels of aortic stiffness in older adults, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood, largely due to inherent challenges of mechanistic studies of large elastic arteries in humans. Voluntary wheel running (VWR) is distinct among experimental animal exercise paradigms in that it allows investigation of the physiologic effects of aerobic training without potential confounding influences of aversive molecular signaling related to forced exercise. In this study, we investigated whether VWR in mice may be a suitable model for mechanistic studies (i.e., "reverse translation") of the beneficial effects of exercise on arterial stiffness in humans. We found that 10weeks of VWR in old mice (~ 28months) reversed age-related elevations in aortic PWV assessed in vivo (Old VWR: 369 ± 19 vs. old sedentary: 439 ± 20cm/s, P < 0.05). The de-stiffening effects of VWR were accompanied by normalization of age-related increases in ex vivo mechanical stiffness of aortic segments and aortic accumulation of collagen-I and advanced glycation end products, as well as lower levels of aortic superoxide and nitrotyrosine. Our results suggest that late-life VWR in mice recapitulates the aortic de-stiffening effects of exercise in humans and indicates important mechanistic roles for decreased oxidative stress and extracellular matrix remodeling. Therefore, VWR is a suitable model for further study of the mechanisms underlying beneficial effects of exercise on arterial stiffness.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Muscular Strength on Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults.

To evaluate the independent and combined associations of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular strength (MS) with arterial stiffness (AS), a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease, in older adults. This cross-sectional study included 405 older adults (mean age, 72 yr). Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by time (s) to complete a 400-m walking test and MS by maximal handgrip strength (kg). Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity was used to assess AS. High AS was defined as a pulse wave velocity of ≥10 m·s, a previously established threshold for increased cardiovascular risk. Poisson regression was used to calculate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of having high AS across sex-specific tertiles of CRF and MS. Muscular strength and CRF were further dichotomized into either "weak" or "unfit" (lower one third for each), or "strong" or "fit" (upper two thirds for each) to investigate the combined associations of CRF and MS with high AS. All analyses were adjusted for potential confounders, including MS for CRF and CRF for MS. Sixty-nine (17%) participants had high AS. Compared with lower CRF, PR (95% CI) of having high AS were 0.53 (0.30-0.95) and 0.69 (0.38-1.23) for middle and upper CRF, respectively. Compared with lower MS, PR (95% CI) of having high AS were 0.81 (0.49-1.34) and 0.52 (0.29-0.92) for middle and upper MS, respectively. In the joint analysis, compared with the "unfit and weak" group, PR (95% CI) of having high AS were 0.72 (0.38-1.35), 0.58 (0.29-1.16), and 0.46 (0.25-0.85) for "unfit and strong," "fit and weak," and "fit and strong" groups, respectively. Higher levels of CRF and MS were independently associated with lower (healthier) levels of AS in older adults.

Association of insulin resistance, from mid-life to late-life, with aortic stiffness in late-life: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

BackgroundInsulin resistance may contribute to aortic stiffening that leads to end-organ damage. We examined the cross-sectional association and prospective association of insulin resistance and aortic stiffness in older adults without diabetes.MethodsWe analyzed 2571 men and women at Visit 5 (in 2011–2013), and 2350 men and women at repeat examinations from baseline at Visit 1 (in 1987–1989) to Visit 5 (in 2011–2013). Linear regression was used to estimate the difference in aortic stiffness per standard unit of HOMA-IR, TG/HDL-C, and TyG at Visit 5. Linear mixed effects were used to assess if high, as opposed to non-high, aortic stiffness (> 75th percentile) was preceded by a faster annual rate of change in log-HOMA-IR, log-TG/HDL-C, and log-TyG from Visit 1 to Visit 5.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 75 years, 37% (n = 957) were men, and 17% (n = 433) were African American. At Visit 5, higher HOMA-IR, higher TG/HDL-C, and higher TyG were associated with higher aortic stiffness (16 cm/s per SD (95% CI 6, 27), 29 cm/s per SD (95% CI 18, 40), and 32 cm/s per SD (95% CI 22, 42), respectively). From Visit 1 to Visit 5, high aortic stiffness, compared to non-high aortic stiffness, was not preceded by a faster annual rate of change in log-HOMA-IR from baseline to 9 years (0.030 (95% CI 0.024, 0.035) vs. 0.025 (95% CI 0.021, 0.028); p = 0.15) or 9 years onward (0.011 (95% CI 0.007, 0.015) vs. 0.011 (95% CI 0.009, 0.013); p = 0.31); in log-TG/HDL-C from baseline to 9 years (0.019 (95% CI 0.015, 0.024) vs. 0.024 (95% CI 0.022, 0.026); p = 0.06) or 9 years onward (− 0.007 (95% CI − 0.010, − 0.005) vs. − 0.009 (95% CI − 0.010, − 0.007); p = 0.08); or in log-TyG from baseline to 9 years (0.002 (95% CI 0.002, 0.003) vs. 0.003 (95% CI 0.003, 0.003); p = 0.03) or 9 years onward (0 (95% CI 0, 0) vs. 0 (95% CI 0, 0); p = 0.08).ConclusionsAmong older adults without diabetes, insulin resistance was associated with aortic stiffness, but the putative role of insulin resistance in aortic stiffness over the life course requires further study.

Short-Term Prognostic Impact of Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults Without Prevalent Cardiovascular Disease.

Arterial stiffness, represented as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), predicts cardiovascular disease (CVD). In older populations, however, this association seems attenuated. Moreover, the prognostic values of pulse wave velocity at different arterial segments and newer parameters like cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) remain unclear, especially in US older adults. In 3034 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study participants (66-90 years) without CVD, we examined the associations of 4 pulse wave velocity measures (cfPWV, heart-femoral, brachial-ankle, heart-ankle) and 2 new measures of arterial stiffness (CAVI and cardio-femoral vascular index derived from heart-ankle and heart-femoral, respectively) with incident CVD (coronary disease, stroke, and heart failure) and all-cause mortality. Over a median follow-up of 4.4 years, there were 168 incident CVD events and 244 deaths. Overall, stiffness measures did not show strong associations with CVD, except cfPWV, which demonstrated a J-shaped association even after adjusting for potential confounders (hazard ratio, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.08-3.09] in top quartile and 1.97 [1.14-3.39] in bottom quartile versus second bottom quartile). When each CVD was examined separately, heart failure was most robustly associated with higher cfPWV, and stroke was strongly associated with lower cfPWV. There were no significant associations with all-cause mortality. Among different measures of pulse wave velocity, cfPWV showed the strongest associations with CVD, especially heart failure, in older adults without CVD. Other pulse wave velocity measures had no strong associations. Our findings further support cfPWV as the index measure of arterial stiffness and the link of arterial stiffness to heart failure development but also suggest somewhat limited prognostic value of arterial stiffness in older adults overall.

Effect of resistance training combined with aerobic exercise on aortic arterial stiffness in older adults: a secondary analysis of randomized controlled trial

Effect of resistance training combined with aerobic exercise on aortic arterial stiffness in older adults: a secondary analysis of randomized controlled trial

Associations of Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Muscular Strength with Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults

PURPOSE: To evaluate the associations of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular strength (MS) with arterial stiffness (AS) in older adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 390 older adults aged ≥65 years (mean age 72). Participants were free of diabetes and cardiovascular disease events that occurred within the past 2 years. CRF was assessed by time (minutes) to complete a 400-m walk test and MS by grip strength (Jamar Plus+ 12-064). Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) was used to assess AS (AtCor, Sphygmocor Xcel). High AS was defined as a PWV of 10 m/s or greater, as it has been established as a threshold for increased cardiovascular risk. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of having high AS across sex-specific tertiles of CRF and MS. Further, CRF and MS were dichotomized into either weak or unfit (lower one-third), or strong or fit (upper two-thirds) in a joint analysis of CRF and MS with high AS. All logistic regression models included age, mean arterial pressure, body mass index, physical activity, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption (>14 drinks per week for male, >7 for female), and MS or CRF for each other. RESULTS: Sixty-three (16 %) adults were identified as having high AS. Compared to the lowest CRF tertile (lowest 33%), ORs (95% CIs) of having high AS were 0.36 (0.16-0.81) and 0.51 (0.21-1.22), for middle and upper CRF, respectively, after adjusting for the possible confounders including MS. Compared to the lowest MS tertile (lowest 33%), ORs (95% CIs) of having high AS were 0.68 (0.33-1.39) and 0.31 (0.13-0.74), for middle and upper MS, respectively, after adjusting for the possible confounders including CRF. In the joint analysis, compared to the unfit and weak group, ORs (95% CIs) for high AS were 0.47 (0.16-0.81) for unfit and strong, 0.37 (0.13-1.04) for fit and weak, and 0.25 (0.12-0.60) for fit and strong. CONCLUSION: Higher levels of both CRF and MS were independently associated with reduced odds of having high AS in older adults. Future prospective studies could evaluate longitudinal associations of CRF and MS and attenuation of age-related AS, which is an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Supported by unrestricted research grant by Biospace.

Effects of a Personalized Physical Exercise Program in the Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults

IntroductionThis study was aimed at evaluating the effect of a tailored exercise intervention programme in the Arterial Stiffness (AS) of old adults.MethodsNon-randomized intervention study, enrolling 32 community dwelling old adults, aged over 65 years (mean age: 83.28 ± 8.29 years), with no prior history of major cardiovascular events. Participants were divided into two groups (intervention group—Group 2, and control group—Group 1) according to their willingness to participate in the physical training program. The exercise program included aerobic and strength components, prescribed in a personalized approach, and implemented under direct control of two experienced professionals. Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV), a measure of AS, was evaluated at baseline and 3-months after the intervention period. Clinical evaluation, anthropometric measures and blood samples were also collected in both time-points.ResultsThe groups had similar clinical and demographic characteristics at baseline. After the intervention program, a significant reduction in PWV was observed only in Group 2 [F(1, 15) = 29.38; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.67]. A readjustment of the PWV age-dependent trajectory was observed, with a reduction of the absolute PWV in all age strata. A significant reduction in systolic brachial blood pressure was also depicted in Group 2 [mean difference: 12.57 mmHg; F(1, 15) = 9.46; p = 0.01; η2 = 0.39]. Parameters related to functional status, such as the handgrip strength, the self-efficacy for exercise and the activity and participation profile, were also significantly improved in Group 2.ConclusionPhysical exercise was shown to be an effective non-pharmacological tool to positively modulate age-related decline in AS in older adults.

Arterial stiffness during whole-body passive heat stress in healthy older adults.

We tested the hypothesis that whole‐body passive heat stress reduces arterial stiffness in older adults. At preheat stress (baseline) and when core temperature was elevated by 0.6 ± 0.2°C (mild) and 1.2 ± 0.3°C (moderate), arterial stiffness was measured in eight healthy younger (26 ± 5 years) and eight healthy older (70 ± 4 years) adults in the supine position. Arterial stiffness was estimated from carotid‐to‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV, applanation tonometry). cfPWV was higher at baseline in older adults (8.8 ± 2.3 m/sec vs. 5.6 ± 0.9 m/sec, P < 0.01) and this difference was maintained throughout passive heat stress (P < 0.01). cfPWV did not change (P ≥ 0.49) with passive heat stress in either younger (at moderate heat stress: 6.0 ± 1.0 m/sec) or older (at moderate heat stress: 8.5 ± 1.6 m/sec) adults. However, the influence of baseline cfPWV on the change in cfPWV during mild (r = −0.66, P = 0.04) and moderate (r = −0.87, P < 0.01) heat stress were inversely related in older adults, and the strength of these relations was not statistically different (P = 0.08). In younger adults, the influence of baseline cfPWV on the change in cfPWV during mild heat stress was also inversely related (r = −0.79, P = 0.01), while the strength of this relation was attenuated at moderate heat stress (r = −0.24, P = 0.30). Changes in arterial stiffness during passive heat stress in adults aged ≥65 year are likely dependent on the magnitude of baseline arterial stiffness and not necessarily age.

Effect of Dynamic Eccentric Leg Exercise Training on Functional Fitness and Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults

Eccentric exercise is shown to offer musculoskeletal benefits in multiple populations, but little is known about the effect of chronic dynamic eccentric exercise training in older adults concerning functional physical fitness and cardiovascular health. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if twelve weeks of dynamic eccentric leg exercise (Eccentron) could improve functional fitness and reduce arterial stiffness. Thirteen older adults (ages 65–79 years; M = 70±1) performed dynamic eccentric leg exercise twice per week at a light to somewhat hard rating of perceived exertion. Exercise duration increased from five minutes per session in the first week to 25 minutes per session during the final week. Timed up and go test significantly improved from pre‐ to post‐training (5.7±0.2 vs. 5.3±0.1 s; p&lt;0.05). Likewise, Berg Balance Score was statistically (p&lt;0.05) improved from pre‐ to post‐training. Participants demonstrated non‐significant increases in single‐leg knee extensor strength (43.0±2.6 vs. 45.2±2.8 kg; p=0.26). Aortic arterial stiffness, assessed via carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity, did not change from pre‐ to post‐eccentric exercise training (8.6±0.7 vs. 9.2±0.5 m/s; p=0.44). Similarly, leg arterial stiffness, assessed as femoral to dorsalis pedis pulse wave velocity, was unchanged (9.9±0.8 vs. 9.2±0.5 m/s; p=0.31). Our results demonstrate how 12‐weeks of eccentric training can positively influence functional physical fitness measures in older adults without a negative influence on arterial stiffness. Significant improvements in timed up and go and the Berg Balance Score, and non‐significant increases in leg extensor strength, suggests that older adults could improve their agility and balance, and reduce their risk of falling through eccentric leg exercise.Support or Funding InformationSupported by the Portage Health Foundation and Michigan Tech Research Excellence Fund.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Abstract P242: Association of Obesity With Arterial Stiffness: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Background: Arterial stiffness is recognized as an important subclinical marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the relationship between obesity and arterial stiffness is unclear. Methods: Applanation tonometry was used to estimate arterial stiffness, defined as high augmentation index (AIx) and low C1 and C2 in participants enrolled in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) at baseline. Analysis of covariance was used to compare AIx, C1, and C2 across categories of body mass index (BMI) (&lt;25, 25-29.9, 30-39.9, &gt; 40 kg/m 2 ) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) (&lt;0.85, 0.85-0.99, ≥1). Age-obesity interaction was tested among obesity groups across age categories (45 - 54, 55 - 64, 65 - 74, and 75 - 84 years old). Results: Among 6,177 participants (mean age 62±10 years, 52% female), there was significant inverse relationship between obesity and arterial stiffness. After adjustments for CVD risk factors, participants with BMI &gt; 40 kg/m 2 had 5.4% lower AIx (mean difference [Δ] = -0.83; 95% CI, -1.12 - -0.54), 13.5% higher C1 (Δ = 1.40; 95% CI, 0.73 - 2.07), and 41.2% higher C2 (Δ = 1.53; 95% CI, 1.19 - 1.88) compared to participants with BMI &lt; 25 kg/m 2 (all p for trend &lt;0.001). Participants with WHR ≥ 1 had 1.7% lower AIx (Δ = -0.26; 95% CI, -0.46 - -0.06), 6.1% higher C1 (Δ = 0.98; 95% CI, 0.53 - 1.43), and 6.1% higher C2 (Δ = 0.28; 95% CI, 0.05 - 0.51) compared to those with WHR &lt;0.85 (all p for trend &lt; 0.05). WHR had a significant interaction with age on AIx and C2, and the inverse relationship between WHR and arterial stiffness was only observed in participants aged &lt; 55 years. Conclusions: Obesity as measured by BMI and WHR was associated with lower arterial stiffness presented as lower AIx and higher C1 and C2. There was a significant age interaction with WHR on AIx and C2, but not with BMI. Differential effects of WHR versus BMI on arterial stiffness in older adults should be further investigated in future studies.

Mediterranean-Style Diet Improves Systolic Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults.

We aimed to determine the effect of a Mediterranean-style diet, tailored to meet dietary recommendations for older adults, on blood pressure and arterial stiffness. In 12 months, randomized controlled trial (NU-AGE [New Dietary Strategies Addressing the Specific Needs of Elderly Population for Healthy Aging in Europe]), blood pressure was measured in 1294 healthy participants, aged 65 to 79 years, recruited from 5 European centers, and arterial stiffness in a subset of 225 participants. The intervention group received individually tailored standardized dietary advice and commercially available foods to increase adherence to a Mediterranean diet. The control group continued on their habitual diet and was provided with current national dietary guidance. In the 1142 participants who completed the trial (88.2%), after 1 year the intervention resulted in a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (-5.5 mm Hg; 95% CI, -10.7 to -0.4; P=0.03), which was evident in males (-9.2 mm Hg, P=0.02) but not females (-3.1 mm Hg, P=0.37). The -1.7 mm Hg (95% CI, -4.3 to 0.9) decrease in diastolic pressure after intervention did not reach statistical significance. In a subset (n=225), augmentation index, a measure of arterial stiffness, was improved following intervention (-12.4; 95% CI, -24.4 to -0.5; P=0.04) with no change in pulse wave velocity. The intervention also resulted in an increase in 24-hour urinary potassium (8.8 mmol/L; 95% CI, 0.7-16.9; P=0.03) and in male participants (52%) a reduction in pulse pressure (-6.1 mm Hg; 95% CI, -12.0 to -0.2; P=0.04) and 24-hour urinary sodium (-27.1 mmol/L; 95% CI, -53.3 to -1.0; P=0.04). In conclusion, a Mediterranean-style diet is effective in improving cardiovascular health with clinically relevant reductions in blood pressure and arterial stiffness. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: http://www.clinicialtrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01754012.

Reliability of arterial stiffness indices at rest and following a single bout of moderate-intensity exercise in older adults.

Short-term changes in arterial stiffness with exercise are proposed to better reflect vascular impairments than resting measures alone and are suggested as a prognostic indicator of cardiovascular risk in older adults. Arterial stiffness indices are reliable at rest, but the time-course and reliability of postexercise changes in arterial stiffness in older adults are unknown. The precision of postexercise changes in arterial stiffness should be determined prior to their use in large prospective trials. This study assessed the between-day reliability of the changes in pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx75) and reflection magnitude (RM) following an exercise bout in older adults. Ten older adults (71±5years) were tested on three separate days, 7days apart. PWV, AIx75 and RM were assessed at rest, immediately post and at 20, 40 and 60min during recovery after moderate-intensity cycling. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and reliability coefficient (RC) were used to assess the relative and absolute reliability of arterial stiffness responses. PWV increased, and RM decreased immediately after exercise (P<0·05), and returned to baseline during recovery. AIx decreased during recovery (P<0·001). Resting ICC values were 0·91 (PWV), 0·72 (AIx75) and 0·40 (RM). Reliability of the immediate changes following exercise was high for PWV (ICC:0·87, RC:1·9ms-1 ) and moderate for AIx75 (ICC:0·64, RC:7%) and RM (ICC:0·59, RC:9%). Reliability of the postexercise responses was similar to that at rest for all measures of arterial stiffness. These findings indicate that postexercise changes in arterial stiffness indices are reliable in healthy older adults and supports further investigation of the prognostic value of these responses.

Effects of exercise intensity and cardiorespiratory fitness on the acute response of arterial stiffness to exercise in older adults.

Increased arterial stiffness is observed with ageing and in individuals with low cardiorespiratory fitness ([Formula: see text]O2peak), and associated with cardiovascular risk. Following an exercise bout, transient arterial stiffness reductions offer short-term benefit, but may depend on exercise intensity. This study assessed the effects of exercise intensity on post-exercise arterial stiffness in older adults with varying fitness levels. Fifty-one older adults (72 ± 5years) were stratified into fitness tertiles ([Formula: see text]O2peak: low-, 22.3 ± 3.1; mid-, 27.5 ± 2.4 and high-fit 36.3 ± 6.5mLkg-1min-1). In a randomised order, participants underwent control (no-exercise), moderate-intensity continuous exercise (40% of peak power output; PPO), and higher-intensity interval exercise (70% of PPO) protocols. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx75) and reflection magnitude (RM) were assessed at rest and during 90min of recovery following each protocol. After control, delta PWV increased over time (P < 0.001) and delta RM was unchanged. After higher-intensity interval exercise, delta PWV (P < 0.001) and delta RM (P < 0.001) were lower to control in all fitness groups. After moderate-intensity continuous exercise, delta PWV was not different from control in low-fit adults (P = 0.057), but was lower in the mid- and higher-fit older adults. Post-exercise AIx75 was higher to control in all fitness groups (P = 0.001). In older adults, PWV increases during seated rest and this response is attenuated after higher-intensity interval exercise, regardless of fitness level. This attenuation was also observed after moderate-intensity continuous exercise in adults with higher, but not lower fitness levels. Submaximal exercise reveals differences in the arterial stiffness responses between older adults with higher and lower cardiorespiratory fitness.