title: Vigorous physical activity and carotid distensibility in young and mid-aged adults.
abstract: Although physical activity (PA) improves arterial distensibility, it is unclear which type of activity is most beneficial. We aimed to examine the association of different types of PA with carotid distensibility (CD) and the mechanisms involved. Data included 4503 Australians and Finns aged 26-45 years. Physical activity was measured by pedometers and was self-reported. CD was measured using ultrasound. Other measurements included resting heart rate (RHR), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), blood pressure, biomarkers and anthropometry. Steps/day were correlated with RHR (Australian men r = -0.10, women r = - 0.14; Finnish men r = -0.15, women r = -0.11; P<0.01), CRF and biochemical markers, but not with CD. Self-reported vigorous leisure-time activity was more strongly correlated with RHR (Australian men r = -0.23, women r = -0.19; Finnish men r = -0.20, women r = -0.13; P < 0.001) and CRF, and was correlated with CD (Australian men r = 0.07; Finnish men r = 0.07, women r = 0.08; P < 0.05). This relationship of vigorous leisure-time activity with CD was mediated by RHR independently of potential confounders. In summary, vigorous leisure-time PA but not total or less intensive PA was associated with arterial distensibility in young to mid-aged adults. Promotion of vigorous PA is therefore recommended among this population. RHR was a key intermediary factor explaining the relationship between vigorous PA and arterial distensibility.
authors.affiliation: Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.
authors.forename: Quan L
authors.initials: QL
authors.lastname: Huynh
authors.affiliation: Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.
authors.forename: Christopher L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Blizzard
authors.affiliation: Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
authors.forename: Olli
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Raitakari
authors.affiliation: Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.
authors.forename: James E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Sharman
authors.affiliation: 1] Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia [2] Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
authors.forename: Costan G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Magnussen
authors.affiliation: 1] Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia [2] Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: Terence
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dwyer
authors.affiliation: Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Juonala
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Physiology, University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.
authors.forename: Mika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kähönen
authors.affiliation: Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.
authors.forename: Alison J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Venn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000502:physiology*; D004548:Elasticity / Q000502:physiology; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*