Leisure-time physical activity across adulthood and biomarkers of cardiovascular disease at age 60-64: A prospective cohort study

Physical activity trajectory during pregnancy and associations with maternal fatigue using a growth mixture modeling approach

The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations of physical activity trajectories with maternal fatigue. Pregnant women provided objectively assessed physical activity data by Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire four times. Fatigue scale-14 was used to assess fatigue during pregnancy. Growth mixture modelling characterized physical activity trajectories across pregnancy. The generalized estimating equations was used to analyze the relationship between different physical activity profiles and fatigue in pregnant women. A total of 626 pregnant women were included in analysis in a teaching hospital in Nantong city. Fatigue (total, mental and physical) was not different between two groups based on total energy expenditure of PA (constantly high vs. constantly low). The pregnant women in "constantly high household PA" group had the higher fatigue compared to "constantly low household PA" (P < 0.05) and "constantly medium household PA" (P < 0.05). The pregnant women in "constantly high sport PA" group had lower fatigue compared to "constantly low sport PA" (P < 0.05). Household PA and sport PA were still an independent influencing factor for fatigue after controlling for confounding variables. Specifically, we observed that higher household PA and lower sport PA were associated with higher fatigue during pregnancy.

Dose- and Intensity-Response Associations Between Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Markers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Older Adults

This study aimed to investigate the dose- and intensity-response associations between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in older adults. Multivariable linear regression was performed to evaluate the associations among 3,559 older adults in 2015-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. LTPA was negatively associated with inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein, segmented neutrophil count and alkaline phosphatase, and positively associated with one marker of antioxidants albumin in older adults. Compared with vigorous LTPA, moderate LTPA could provide more benefits through further decreasing white blood cell count and alkaline phosphatase, and increasing serum bilirubin and albumin. The effects of LTPA on C-reactive protein and albumin were more significant in participants with chronic diseases including diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the dose- and intensity-response effects of LTPA on inflammation and oxidative stress and provides exercise prescription recommendations for older adults.

Association between physical-activity trajectories and cognitive decline in adults 50 years of age or older

Aims

To investigate the associations of physical-activity trajectories with the level of cognitive performance and its decline in adults 50 years of age or older.

Methods

We studied 38729 individuals (63 ± 9 years; 57% women) enrolled in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Physical activity was self-reported and cognitive performance was assessed based on immediate recall, verbal fluency, and delayed recall. Physical-activity trajectories were estimated using growth mixture modelling and linear mixed effects models were used to investigate the associations between the trajectories and cognitive performance.

Results

The models identified two physical-activity trajectories of physical activity: constantly-high physical activity (N=27634: 71%) and decreasing physical activity (N=11095; 29%). Results showed that participants in the decreasing physical-activity group exhibited a lower level of cognitive performance compared to the high physical-activity group (immediate recall: ß=0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.92 to 0.95; verbal fluency: ß=0.98; 95% CI=0.97 to 0.98; delayed recall: ß=0.95; 95% CI=0.94 to 0.97). Moreover, compared with participants in the constantly-high physical-activity group, participants in the decreasing physical-activity group showed a steeper decline in all cognitive measures (immediate recall: ß=-0.04; 95% CI=-0.05 to -0.04; verbal fluency: ß=-0.22; 95% CI=-0.24 to -0.21; delayed recall: ß=-0.04; 95% CI=-0.05 to -0.04).

Conclusions

Physical-activity trajectories are associated with the level and evolution of cognitive performance in adults over 50 years. Specifically, our findings suggest that a decline in physical activity over multiple years is associated with a lower level and a steeper decline in cognitive performance.

Physical Activity, Sport Practice and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Workers From a Public Hospital: A Trajectory Analysis

Background: Studies have demonstrated the positive effects of physical activity on cardiovascular risk factors. Longitudinal studies using modeled trajectories are necessary to understand patterns of physical activity and association with cardiovascular risk factors. Objective: To analyze the association between sports practice in young people and current physical activity with the trajectory of cardiovascular risk factors in workers at a public hospital. Methods: Four hundred and seventeen workers was followed for four years reporting Physical Activity, health status, lifestyle behaviors and socio-demographic characteristics. Group-based trajectory modeling identified the trajectories of PA and associations with time-stable and time-varying covariates. We considered a range of sociodemographic and health and lifestyle factors as potential covariates. Results: The results shows the association between participation in sports activities in youth and current physical activity and trajectories of cardiovascular risk, adjusted for sex and age (p < 0.05). Adults who reported having played sports in their youth and are currently active have a lower risk of having a history of obesity and low HDL-c than workers who did not play sports in their youth and are currently sedentary 0.690 (0.565-0.844) obesity, 0.647 (0.500-0.837) low HDL-c. Conclusion: The practice of sports in youth and current physical activity is a protective factor against the trajectory of obesity and low HDL-c, mainly in female workers. Programs to encourage the practice of physical activity should be carried out in order to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and prevent chronic diseases in workers.

Health Behavior Trajectories in High Cardiovascular Risk Populations: Secondary Analysis of a Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

The application of latent class growth analysis (LCGA) has been limited in behavioral studies on high-cardiovascular-risk populations.

AIM

The current study aimed to identify distinct health behavior trajectories in high-cardiovascular-risk populations using LCGA. We also examined the baseline individual characteristics associated with different health behavior trajectories and determined which trajectory is associated with improved cardiovascular risk outcomes at 52 weeks.

METHODS

This secondary analysis of a clinical trial included 200 patients admitted to primary care clinics. Latent class growth analysis was conducted to identify the trajectories of physical activity and dietary intake; these were measured at 4 different time points during a 52-week study period. Analysis of variance/χ2 test was used to assess the associations between baseline individual characteristics and trajectories, and logistic regression analysis was used to identify associations between trajectories and cardiovascular risk outcomes at 52 weeks.

RESULTS

Three trajectories were identified for physical activity (low-, moderate-, and high-stable). Risk perception, patient activation, and depressive symptoms predicted the trajectories. High-stable trajectory for physical activity was associated with better cardiovascular risk outcomes at the 52-week follow-up. Two trajectories (low-stable and high-decreasing) were identified for percent energy from fat, but the factors that can predict trajectories were limited.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions are needed to target patients who begin with a lower physical activity level, with the goal of enhanced cardiovascular health. The predictors identified in the study may facilitate earlier and more tailored interventions.

Recognized and Potentially New Biomarkers-Their Role in Diagnosis and Prognosis of Cardiovascular Disease

Atherosclerosis and its consequences are the leading cause of mortality in the world. For this reason, we have reviewed atherosclerosis biomarkers and selected the most promising ones for review. We focused mainly on biomarkers related to inflammation and oxidative stress, such as the highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2). The microRNA (miRNA) and the usefulness of the bone mineralization, glucose, and lipid metabolism marker osteocalcin (OC) were also reviewed. The last biomarker we considered was angiogenin (ANG). Our review shows that due to the multifactorial nature of atherosclerosis, no single marker is known so far, the determination of which would unambiguously assess the severity of atherosclerosis and help without any doubt in the prognosis of cardiovascular risk.

High Sensitivity C-reactive Protein (hsCRP) and its Implications in Cardiovascular Outcomes

Atherosclerosis and its fearsome complications represent the first cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Over the last two decades, several pieces of evidence have been accumulated, suggesting a central role of inflammation in atheroma development. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a well-established marker of cardiovascular (CV) disease; high levels of hsCRP have been associated with adverse CV outcome after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and, despite some controversy, an active role for hsCRP in initiation and development of the atherosclerotic plaque has been also proposed. Randomized clinical trials focusing on hsCRP have been crucial in elucidating the anti-inflammatory effects of statin therapy. Thus, hsCRP has been progressively considered a real CV risk factor likewise to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), expanding the concept of residual CV inflammatory risk. Subsequent research has been designed to investigate potential new targets of atherothrombotic protection. Despite the fact that the clinical usefulness of hsCRP is widely recognized, hsCRP may not represent the ideal target of specific anti-inflammatory therapies. Clinical investigations, therefore, have also focused on other inflammatory mediators, restricting hsCRP to an indicator rather than a therapeutic target. The aim of the present review is to provide an illustrative overview of the current knowledge of atherosclerosis and inflammation, highlighting the most representative clinical studies of lipid-lowering and antiinflammatory therapies focused on hsCRP in CV diseases.

Exercise for slowing the progression of atherosclerotic process: effects on inflammatory markers

Atherosclerosis is a dynamic process driven by all cardiovascular risk factors that can be briefly divided into an early and a late phase. Inflammation is one of the fundamental substrates that initiates the atherosclerotic process in the early stages and promotes and maintains it in the final stages. In the last decades, clinical and experimental data have shown that inflammation is supported by mediators that respond to physical activity. The present review aimed at investigating the effect of physical exercise on inflammatory mediators, both the positive ones that have a proinflammatory effect (interleukin 6, c-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor α, interferon γ, high-mobility group box-1), and the negative ones which have an anti-inflammatory effect (interleukin 10). Pooled data support the evidence that physical exercise can directly modulate the activity of inflammatory cytokines slowing down or preventing the formation of the atherosclerotic stage.

The Effect of the Built Environment on Older Men's and Women's Leisure-Time Physical Activity in the Mid-Scale City of Jinhua, China

Physical activity has been suggested to be beneficial in preventing disease and improving body function in older people. Older people's leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is affected by various factors, especially environmental factors. However, the differences in the association between older people's LTPA and the built environment in different sex groups remain unclear. Perceived built environment scores and older people's LTPA were collected for 240 older people in Jinhua using the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale and International Physical Activity Questionnaire, respectively. A linear regression method was used to analyze the associations between older people's LTPA and the built environment in men, women, and all participants. The results showed that land use mix diversity was associated with LTPA in older people for both sexes. In men, LTPA was also associated with access to services. However, in women, LTPA was associated with residential density, street connectivity, and crime safety. The relationship varied when demographic variables were incorporated into the regression analysis. Those results indicated that a shorter perceived distance from home to destination would motivate older people to engage more in LTPA. Older people's LTPA was affected by various built environment factors according to different sex groups. Women's LTPA was generally more sensitive to the built environment. More studies are needed to confirm the association between LTPA in older people and the built environment in men and women in mid- or small-sized Chinese cities in the future.

The effects of physical activity on adipokines in individuals with overweight/obesity across the lifespan: A narrative review

This narrative review summarizes current knowledge on the effects of physical activity (PA) on adipokine levels in individuals with overweight and obesity. Approximately 90 investigations including randomized control, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies that reported on the effects of a single session of PA (acute) or long-term PA (chronic) on adipokine levels in individuals with overweight/obesity were reviewed. The findings support the notion that there is consensus on the benefits of chronic exercise training-regardless of the mode (resistance vs. aerobic), intensity and cohort (healthy vs. diabetes)-on adipokine levels (such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, adiponectin, visfatin, omentin-1 and leptin). However, several confounding factors (frequency, intensity, time and type of exercise) can alter the magnitude of the effects of an acute exercise session. Available evidence suggests that PA, as a part of routine lifestyle behaviour, improves obesity complications by modulating adipokine levels. However, additional research is needed to help identify the most effective interventions to elicit the most beneficial changes in adipokine levels in individuals with overweight/obesity.

Comparison Study of Perceived Neighborhood-Built Environment and Elderly Leisure-Time Physical Activity between Hangzhou and Wenzhou, China

Physical activity and health are of significant importance for the rapid aging population in China. Built environment has been suggested to be associated with elderly physical activity and health. However, the association differences between cities remain unclear. Perceived built environment scores and elderly leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) of 308 elderly in Hangzhou and 304 elderly in Wenzhou were collected using Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale and International Physical Activity Questionnaire, respectively. A multivariate linear regression method and T-test were used to analyze of the associations between elderly LTPA and built environment and the differences between the two cities, respectively. The results showed that LTPA was positively associated with walking/cycling facilities and crime safety in both cities. LTPA was positively correlated with residential density, aesthetics, pedestrian/traffic safety in Wenzhou and negatively correlated with access to services in Hangzhou. The perceived scores of aesthetics (2.71 vs. 2.45) and pedestrian/traffic safety (2.11 vs. 1.71) in Hangzhou were significantly higher than those in Wenzhou. The results suggested that built environment elements like higher walking/cycling facilities and crime safety may motivate elderly engaging LTPA in both cities. However, LTPA was affected by different factors in these two cities. In the urban redevelopment, survey conducted in its own city would provide meaningful information and cannot be neglected.

Twelve year trajectories of physical activity and health costs in mid-age Australian women

Background

Few studies have examined relationships between physical activity (PA) during mid-age and health costs in women. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between PA levels and trajectories over 12 years with medical and pharmaceutical costs in mid-age Australian women.

Methods

Data from 6953 participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (born in 1946–1951) were analysed in 2019. PA was self-reported in 2001 (50-55y), 2007 (56-61y) and 2013 (62-67y). PA data were linked with 2013–2015 data from the Medicare (MBS) and Pharmaceutical (PBS) Benefits Schemes. Quantile regression was used to examine associations between PA patterns [always active, increasers, decreasers, fluctuaters or always inactive (reference)] with these medical and pharmaceutical costs.

Results

Among women who were consistently inactive (< 500 MET.minutes/week) in 2001, 2007 and 2013, median MBS and PBS costs (2013 to 2015) were AUD4261 and AUD1850, respectively. Those costs were AUD1728 (95%CI: 443–3013) and AUD578 (95%CI: 426–729) lower among women who were consistently active in 2001, 2007 and 2013 than among those who were always inactive. PBS costs were also lower in women who were active at only one survey (AUD205; 95%CI: 49–360), and in those whose PA increased between 2001 and 2013 (AUD388; 95%CI: 232–545).

Conclusion

Maintaining ‘active’ PA status was associated with 40% lower MBS and 30% lower PBS costs over three years in Australian women. Helping women to remain active in mid-life could result in considerable savings for both women and the Australian government.

Neighbourhood built environment and leisure-time physical activity: A cross-sectional study in southern China

This study conducted scientific evidence linking neighbourhood built environment to adults' leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among adults in China. Data were obtained from a questionnaire survey conducted from April to July 2017 among 1002 adults aged 18-69 years old in Pingshan District, Shenzhen, China. Chinese Walkable Environment Scale for urban community residents and International Physical Activity Questionnaire were used to measure participants' neighbourhood built environment and leisure-time physical activity, which was categorised into leisure-time walking (LTW) and leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (LTMVPA). A total of 986 participants (mean age = 40.7 years, 53.3% females) were included in this research. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the socio-demographic variables, LTW and LTMVPA by sex. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between neighbourhood environment characteristics and the likelihood of engaging in active LTW and LTMVPA. Only 20.7% of participants engaged in active LTW and 17.8% active LTMVPA. Better road condition was associated with higher likelihood of active (at least 150 min/week) LTW and LTMVPA. High perceived esthetic was positively associated with LTW and LTMVPA. Active LTW was related to better perception of traffic condition as well. The improvement of the neighbourhood environment characteristics can promote active LTPA among adults living in Shenzhen, China. Our findings support the importance of considering population health effects in urban planning and development.

Exercise cessation in active older adults: Effects on inflammatory markers and adiponectin

AIM

To evaluate the effects of 3 months of exercise cessation in physically active older individuals on inflammatory biomarkers and adiponectin, and examine any association modifications in physical functioning.

METHODS

We evaluated the effects of exercise cessation in 49 physically active older adults on inflammatory biomarkers, adiponectin and physical functioning. Participants (38 women, 11 men) were aged >65 years old and had attended a 9-month supervised exercise program. After 3 months of exercise cessation, we measured anthropometry, physical activity, strength, balance, endurance exercise, cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, interleukin-6 and adiponectin levels.

RESULTS

Adiponectin was positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein and negatively correlated with triglyceride levels after exercise cessation. Higher adiponectin levels were correlated with worse dynamic balance, endurance exercise and lower limb strength (men only), which might be explained by the adiponectin resistance hypothesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Adiponectin therefore might be a promising biomarker of physical dysfunction in older adults, although further research is necessary to understand the mechanisms involved in its double-sided effects. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 494-499.

Physical Activity, Hormone Therapy Use, and Stroke Risk among Women in the California Teachers Study Cohort

BACKGROUND

Postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) increases the risk of stroke. Here we evaluate whether leisure time physical activity (LTPA) can change stroke risk in women using HT, leveraging data from the California Teachers Study.

METHODS

Female California educators without a prior history of stroke (n = 118,294) were followed from 1995 through 2015 for stroke end points. Based on statewide hospitalization data, 4,437 women had ischemic (n = 3,162; International Classification of Diseases [ICD]-9 433, 434, 436) or hemorrhagic (n = 1,275; ICD-9 430-432, excluding 432.1) stroke. LTPA and HT use were evaluated at 2 time points (baseline [1995-1996] and 10-year follow-up [2005-2006]). LTPA was assessed using American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations (>150 min/week moderate or >75 min/week strenuous physical activity). Using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, we estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for the associations between HT use and concurrent LTPA with incident stroke.

RESULTS

Compared to women who never used HT, stroke risk was highest among women who were current HT users and did not meet AHA recommendations for LTPA at the time of their HT use: HRbaseline 1.28 (95% CI 1.13-1.44); HR10-year follow-up 1.17 (95% CI 0.91-1.50). Based on the baseline questionnaire, current HT users who met AHA recommendations for LTPA in 1995-1996 still had elevated stroke risk in the 20-year follow-up (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08-1.37). However, among current HT users who met AHA recommendations for LTPA at the 2005-2006 follow-up questionnaire, stroke risk was not elevated (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.80-1.29). Evaluation of the 2 time points in concert further demonstrated that meeting AHA recommendations for LTPA at the most recent follow-up time point was required to reduce HT-related stroke risk.

CONCLUSION

Concurrent physical activity may attenuate the short-term increase in risk of stroke risk associated with HT use.

Trajectories of physical activity from midlife to old age and associations with subsequent cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality

Introduction

It is well established that physical activity (PA) protects against mortality and morbidity, but how long-term patterns of PA are associated with mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains unclear.

Methods

3231 men recruited to the British Regional Heart Study, a prospective cohort study, reported usual PA levels at baseline in 1978–1980 (aged 40–59 years) and at 12-year, 16-year and 20-year follow ups. Twenty-year trajectories of PA, spanning from 1978/1980 to 2000, were identified using group-based trajectory modelling. Men were subsequently followed up until 30 June 2016 for mortality through National Health Service central registers and for non-fatal CVD events through primary and secondary care records. Data analyses were conducted in 2019.

Results

Three PA trajectories were identified: low/decreasing (22.7%), light/stable (51.0%) and moderate/increasing (26.3%). Over a median follow-up of 16.4 years, there were 1735 deaths. Compared with the low/decreasing group, membership of the light/stable (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.94) and moderate/increasing (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.88) groups was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality. Similar associations were observed for CVD mortality, major coronary heart disease and all CVD events. Associations were only partially explained by a range of confounders. Sensitivity analyses suggested that survival benefits were largely driven by most recent/current PA.

Conclusions

A dose-response relationship was observed, with higher levels of PA from midlife to old age associated with additional benefits. However, even fairly modest and sustained PA was protective and may be more achievable for the most inactive.

The effects of physical activity during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood on cardiovascular risk factors among adults

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: To analyze the association between physical activity during life and cardiovascular risk factors among adults. DESIGN: The sample was composed of 101 adults (59 men) between 30 and 50 years old, who were recruited from different gyms and from a University in Brasil. Participants were divided according to their engagement in sports in early life (self-reported) and current physical activity (pedometer) (sports participation during childhood/adolescence and currently active [n=26], sports participation during childhood/adolescence and currently inactive [n=26], and control [n=49]). Cardiovascular risk factors were measured, such as body fat (through DXA), HDL-C, triglycerides, HOMA index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and C-reactive protein. We adopted the covariates of chronological age, sex, alcohol consumption, tobacco, and body mass index. General estimating equations were used, with p<0.05. RESULTS: After the adjustments of the final model, individuals engaged in sports during childhood and adolescence and inactive during adulthood presented lower body fat, when compared to participants persistently inactive (p<0.001). Participants persistently active presented lower body fat (p<0.001) and lower c-reactive protein (p=0.010) when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Early sports participation was associated with reduced body fat, and being physically active throughout life was associated with reduced body fat and C-reactive protein.

Systemic inflammation and modifiable risk factors for cognitive impairment in older persons: Findings from a British birth cohort

Serum pro‐inflammatory markers may contribute to dementia pathophysiology and cognitive impairment. In a population‐representative birth cohort, serum C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and white cell count (WCC) were measured at age 60‐64 years and cognition was assessed using the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE‐III) at age 69 years. Higher baseline CRP and IL‐6 were associated with lower ACE‐III scores, but associations were attenuated on adjustment for educational attainment, sex, and other modifiable life course factors. No associations were found for CRP, IL‐6, and WCC with visual search speed or verbal memory. In conclusion, the relationship between increased baseline systemic inflammation and poorer cognition in later life may be explained by, or share pathways with, education and other modifiable life course factors.

The role of neuro-immune interactions in cancer-related fatigue: Biobehavioral risk factors and mechanisms

Fatigue is a common and distressing symptom in both patients with cancer and cancer survivors. There is substantial variation in the severity and persistence of cancer-related fatigue that may be driven by individual differences in host factors, including characteristics that predate the cancer experience as well as responses to cancer and its treatment. This review examines biobehavioral risk factors linked to fatigue and the mechanisms through which they influence fatigue across the cancer continuum, with a focus on neuro-immune processes. Among psychosocial risk factors, childhood adversity is a strong and consistent predictor of cancer-related fatigue; other risk factors include history of depression, catastrophizing, lack of physical activity, and sleep disturbance, with compelling preliminary evidence for loneliness and trait anxiety. Among biologic systems, initial work suggests that alterations in immune, neuroendocrine, and neural processes are associated with fatigue. The identification of key risk factors and underlying mechanisms is critical for the development and deployment of targeted interventions to reduce the burden of fatigue in the growing population of cancer survivors. Given the multidimensional nature of fatigue, interventions that influence multiple systems may be most effective.

Association Between 20-Year Trajectories of Nonoccupational Physical Activity From Midlife to Old Age and Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Disease: A 20-Year Longitudinal Study of British Men

The trajectories of physical activity (PA) from midlife into old age and their associations with established and novel cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in later life remain unclear. This study examined associations between 20-year nonoccupational PA trajectories and a range of CVD biomarkers at ages 60-79 years. We used data from a sample of 3,331 men (mean baseline age = 50.2 ± 5.8 years) recruited in 1978-1980, with follow-up after 12, 16, and 20 years, reporting habitual nonoccupational PA at each wave. At the 20-year follow-up, surviving men attended a physical examination and provided a fasting blood sample. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify trajectories. Adjusted regression analyses examined the association between trajectory-group membership and several cardiometabolic, cardiac, and inflammatory markers at follow-up. Three distinct 20-year trajectories were identified: low/decreasing (21.3%), light/stable (51.8%), and moderate/increasing (27.0%). Compared with the low/decreasing group, membership in the light/stable and moderate/increasing trajectory groups was associated with a more favorable cardiometabolic profile and lower levels of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Although following a moderate-increasing PA trajectory was most favorable, more modest but sustained doses of PA into old age may be sufficient to lower CVD risk.

Motor performance in early life and participation in leisure-time physical activity up to age 68 years

BACKGROUND

This study examined associations between motor performance in early life and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) participation across adulthood, and whether these changed with age.

METHODS

Data were from 2526 participants from the Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development. Motor indicators were mother-reported ages at first standing and walking, teacher-rated games ability at age 13, and finger- and foot-tapping speed at age 15. LTPA was reported at ages 36, 43, 53, 60-64, and 68 years and classed at each age as none, moderate (1-4/mo), or regular (≥5/mo). Associations were examined using mixed-effects Poisson regression models with robust error variance.

RESULTS

Better ability at games and faster tapping speed were associated with more frequent participation in LTPA across adulthood, for example, fully adjusted relative risk of regular LTPA across adulthood (vs none) for above-average ability (vs below average or average) = 1.46 (95% CI 1.32, 1.61); and per 10-unit higher number of finger-taps/15 seconds = 1.04 (95% CI 1.02, 1.07). These associations did not vary by age (P ≥ .33 for interactions with age at LTPA). Ages at reaching motor milestones were not associated with LTPA (eg, fully adjusted relative risk of regular LTPA across adulthood for walking ≤10 and ≥18 months (vs 11-17 months) were 1.01 (95% CI 0.86, 1.20) and 0.89 (95% CI 0.75, 1.06) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Better ability at games and faster tapping speed in adolescence were associated with greater participation in LTPA throughout adult life; from age 36 up to age 68. Childhood motor skill interventions may therefore have the potential to promote lifelong LTPA.