Associations between objectively measured patterns of sedentary behaviour and arterial stiffness in Chinese community-dwelling older women

AIMS: Arterial stiffness is an important risk factor of arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Sedentary behaviour (SB) is associated with increased risk for chronic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and poor health outcomes. This study aims to investigate the associations of objectively measured patterns of SB with arterial stiffness in Chinese community-dwelling older women. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cross-sectional data were derived from the baseline survey of the Physical Activity and Health in Older Women Study. Arterial stiffness was evaluated through cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), CAVI ≥ 9 was defined as cut-off point. Sedentary behaviour patterns including sedentary time in SB bouts of ≥10, 30, and 60 min, number of SB bouts ≥10, 30, and 60 min, were measured via tri-axial accelerometers. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate associations of different SB patterns with arterial stiffness. Of the total 1125 women aged 60-70, the prevalence of CAVI ≥ 9 was 25.8%. After adjustment for confounding factors, only sedentary time in SB bout ≥30 and 60 min, number of SB bouts ≥60 min were associated with arterial stiffness, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 1.06 (1.00-1.12) and 1.11 (1.03-1.20) per 30 min increase per day, 1.35 (1.05-1.74) per bout per day, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Longer duration of prolonged SB periods was associated with higher level of arterial stiffness. Shortening and interrupting accumulated periods of SB may be an achievable strategy to reduce risk of CVD in self-care and cardiovascular nursing.