title: The association between muscle strengthening activities and red blood cell distribution width among a national sample of U.S. adults.
abstract: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a novel biomarker indicative of cardiovascular disease. However, little research has examined the association of muscle strengthening activities (MSA) on RDW.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Examine the association between MSA and RDW among a national sample of U.S. adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data from the 2003-2006 (n=8257) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between MSA with RDW. Participants self-reported their extent of MSA (e.g., lifting weights, push-ups, and sit-ups) and RDW was assessed from a blood sample.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Independent of demographics, aerobic-based physical activity and established cardiovascular disease risk factors, for every 1 MSA session per day increase, the odds of having an elevated RDW (≥14.1%) reduced by 34% (p<0.05). In alignment with current resistance training guidelines by the government, for every increase of 2 MSA sessions per week, participants had an 11% reduced odds of having an elevated RDW (p=0.006).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Engagement in MSA is inversely associated with RDW. Although speculative, these findings suggest that changes in RDW may be one potential mechanism through which MSA may influence cardiovascular disease.
authors.affiliation: Center for Health Behavior Research, Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, United States. Electronic address: pdloprin@olemiss.edu.
authors.forename: Paul D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Loprinzi
authors.affiliation: Kevser Ermin Applied Physiology Laboratory, Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, United States.
authors.forename: Jeremy P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Loenneke
authors.affiliation: Kevser Ermin Applied Physiology Laboratory, Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, United States.
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Abe
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood; D004909:Erythrocyte Indices / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers
keywords: Epidemiology; Inflammation; Muscle strengthening