Moderate physical activity (4–12 h/week) in older adults was associated with a lower likelihood of impaired flow-mediated dilation (OR 0.22) and reduced carotid plaque burden (OR 0.16).
Does moderate physical activity improve vascular endothelial function and reduce carotid plaque burden in older adults?
Moderate physical activity (4-12 hours/week) is associated with optimal vascular endothelial function and reduced carotid atherosclerosis in older adults compared to low or high activity levels.
Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%
Objectives: This study assessed the association between physical activity and vascular endothelial function and carotid atherosclerotic plaques in older adults using ultrasound imaging. Methods and Results: A total of 60 older adults were divided into three groups based on weekly physical activity: low (12 h/week). All participants underwent flow-mediated dilation (FMD) assessment and carotid ultrasound to determine plaque burden. Participants with moderate physical activity demonstrated greater FMD (12.3 ± 2.5%) than those with low (1.2 ± 1.8%) or high activity (7.1 ± 1.3%), and a lower carotid plaque burden. In adjusted logistic regression models, moderate activity remained independently associated with a lower likelihood of impaired FMD (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.18–0.27) and lower carotid plaque burden (OR 0.16; 95% CI 0.11–0.19). Conclusions: Moderate physical activity was associated with more favorable vascular endothelial function and reduced carotid atherosclerosis in older adults, indicating an association with a more favorable vascular profile.
Fułek et al. (Mon,) reported a other. Moderate physical activity (4–12 h/week) in older adults was associated with a lower likelihood of impaired flow-mediated dilation (OR 0.22) and reduced carotid plaque burden (OR 0.16).