Key result
Physical activity over 12 hours weekly is linked to an ~8-fold higher odds of LVDD.
Why the study?
Does self-reported weekly physical activity duration affect echocardiographic cardiac structure and diastolic function in adults aged ≥ 45 years?
Cross-Sectional (n=84)
No
Does self-reported weekly physical activity duration affect echocardiographic cardiac structure and diastolic function in adults aged ≥ 45 years?
Odds Ratio: 8.246 (95% CI 2.118–32.096)
Absolute Event Rate: 75% vs 32.1%
p-value: p=0.002
Intermediate durations of weekly physical activity (4-12 hours) are associated with a more favorable echocardiographic profile of cardiac structure and diastolic function compared to lower or higher durations in middle-aged and older adults.
High self-reported activity may link to diastolic dysfunction; hypothesis-generating for non-linear effects requiring prospective confirmation.
Background: The association between habitual physical activity duration and cardiac structure and diastolic function remains incompletely characterized. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between self-reported weekly physical activity duration and echocardiographic parameters in adults aged ≥ 45 years. Methods: This exploratory cross-sectional study included 84 adults recruited from a cardiology outpatient clinic and classified into three groups according to weekly physical activity duration: <4 h/week (Group A, n = 32), 4–12 h/week (Group B, n = 28), and >12 h/week (Group C, n = 24). All participants underwent transthoracic echocardiography. Multivariable analyses were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and smoking. Exploratory natural cubic spline analyses evaluated physical activity as a continuous exposure. Results: Participants reporting 4–12 h/week generally showed the most favorable echocardiographic profile. Significant between-group differences after false discovery rate correction were observed for several indices of cardiac remodeling and diastolic function. The proportions of participants classified as having left ventricular diastolic dysfunction according to the original clinical echocardiographic assessment were 37.5%, 32.1%, and 75.0% in Groups A, B, and C, respectively (p = 0.004; q = 0.006). After adjustment, Group C had higher odds of being classified as having diastolic dysfunction than Group B (OR = 8.246; 95% CI: 2.118–32.096; p = 0.002). Spline analyses demonstrated significant non-linear associations for LVMI, RWT, mean E/e′, and lateral e′ velocity. Conclusions: Weekly physical activity duration was associated with cardiac remodeling and diastolic function. Intermediate activity duration was associated with a more favorable echocardiographic profile; however, these exploratory findings do not establish an optimal exercise dose or harmful effects of higher activity.
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Macek et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Adults aged ≥ 45 years (n=84). Self-reported weekly physical activity >12 h/week vs. 4-12 h/week of physical activity was evaluated on Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) (OR 8.246, 95% CI 2.118-32.096, p=0.002). Self-reported physical activity >12 hours/week was associated with significantly higher odds of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction compared to 4-12 hours/week (OR 8.246).
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