Enhanced Diastolic Filling Performance with Lifelong Physical Activity in Aging Mice

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the age-related changes in diastolic filling parameters in the aging hearts of active C57Bl/6J mice throughout the life span to indicate optimal age periods for improvements in resting diastolic parameters. METHODS: Fourteen C57Bl/6J mice (seven males and seven females) were individually housed at 8 wk of age in cages with a running wheel, magnetic sensor, and digital odometer. Duration, distance, and running velocity were recorded daily. Fourteen additional mice C57Bl/6J mice (seven males and seven females) were placed in individual cages without running wheels at 8 wk of age. Pulsed-wave Doppler transmitral inflow recordings with a SONOS 5500 ultrasound and 15-6L ultrasound probe were used to image the left ventricle every 4 wk throughout the life span. RESULTS: Peak E wave filling velocities were significantly greater by the start of the second quarter of the life span in the mice with access to running wheels (P < 0.0001). Peak E wave velocities improved in both groups during the first half of the life span (P < 0.0001) and declined throughout the second half of the life span (P < 0.0001). Early-to-late (E:A) filling ratio was significantly greater for the physically active mice by the start of the second quarter of the life span (P < 0.0001) and continued throughout most of the remainder of the life span (P < 0.0001). No differences were observed between the two groups of mice with peak A wave filling velocities (P > 0.05). Similar findings were observed when corrected for resting heart rate. CONCLUSIONS: Lifelong physical activity resulted in greater diastolic filling parameters by the second quarter of the life span, highlighting the clinical importance of regular aerobic activity in young adulthood as a mechanism for improved left ventricular performance with aging.