April 30, 2026
View Full PaperIntensity Matters: Vigorous Activity is Associated with Lower Pressure-Independent Arterial Stiffness in the UK Biobank
Key Result
Each 1-SD higher total MET was associated with lower pressure-independent arterial stiffness (β=-0.094; 95% CI -0.119 to -0.068; p<0.001), with vigorous activity showing consistent benefits.
Key Points
- This research aims to determine the relationship between exercise intensity and arterial stiffness components in older adults.
- Analyzed data from 34,105 UK Biobank participants with mean age 64; 49% female.
- Used finger-derived arterial stiffness index (ASI) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire to assess activity.
- Multivariable models tested associations between physical activity intensity (MET-minutes) and arterial stiffness, adjusting for various factors.
- Higher overall physical activity was linked to lower total ASI (9.45 for high vs 9.72 for low, p < 0.001).
- Vigorous activity was associated with lower ASI-PI (β ≈-0.12, p < 0.001), while moderate activity showed minimal positive effects.
- Each 1-SD increase in total MET was associated with significantly lower ASI-PI (β=-0.094, 95% CI -0.119 to -0.068; p < 0.001).
Study Design
Type
Cross-Sectional (n=34,105)
Multicenter
Yes
Structured PICO
Is vigorous physical activity associated with lower pressure-independent arterial stiffness in older adults?
P
Population
34,105 UK Biobank participants, mean age 64, 49% female, with finger-derived arterial stiffness index (ASI) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-assessed activity.
I
Intervention
Higher overall physical activity and vigorous physical activity (assessed via IPAQ)
C
Comparator
Lower physical activity, moderate activity, or walking
O
Outcome
Arterial stiffness index (ASI), decomposed into pressure-independent (ASI-PI) and pressure-dependent (ASI-PD) componentssurrogate
Vigorous physical activity is associated with lower pressure-independent arterial stiffness, suggesting structural vascular benefits beyond mere changes in hemodynamic load.
Main Result
Effect estimate: β -0.094 (95% CI -0.119 to -0.068)
p-value: p=<0.001
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Arterial stiffness, a predictor of cardiovascular disease, reflects both structural properties of the arterial wall and load-dependent effects of intra-arterial pressure. Although exercise improves vascular health, its optimal intensity and effects on these stiffness components remain unclear in older adults. METHODS: We analyzed 34,105 UK Biobank participants (mean age 64; 49% female) with finger-derived arterial stiffness index (ASI) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-assessed activity. ASI was regressed on mean arterial pressure (MAP) and decomposed into pressure-independent (ASI-PI; residuals) and pressure-dependent (ASI-PD; total minus ASI-PI) components. Multivariable models tested associations with total and intensity-specific MET-minutes, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, cardiometabolic, and medication factors. RESULTS: Higher overall physical activity was associated with lower total ASI (9.45 ± 2.93 for high activity vs 9.72 ± 2.89 for low; p < 0.001), and lower ASI-PI (-0.01 ± 2.91 for high vs 0.26 ± 2.88 for low vs; p < 0.001). The association between physical activity and ASI-PD was minimal. Each 1-SD higher total MET was associated with lower ASI-PI (β=-0.094, 95% CI -0.119 to -0.068; p < 0.001) but not ASI-PD. In intensity-specific models, vigorous activity was consistently associated with lower ASI-PI (β ≈-0.12; p < 0.001), whereas moderate activity showed modest positive associations, and walking activity was not significantly related. When total activity volume was held constant, vigorous METs were associated with lower ASI-PI, while associations with ASI-PD remained negligible. CONCLUSIONS: Vigorous activity was consistently associated with lower ASI-PI, suggesting beneficial vascular adaptations to exercise beyond its effects on hemodynamic load.