Associations of Accumulating Physical Activity and Sedentary Time From Childhood to Adolescence With Arterial Stiffness and Structure in Adolescence—An 8-Year Follow-Up Study

PURPOSE: To investigate associations of physical activity (PA) and sedentary time accumulated from childhood to adolescence with arterial stiffness and structure in adolescence. METHOD: Altogether 175 (83 girls) children participated in the study (average baseline age 7.6 [0.4] y). Physical activity energy expenditure, PA, and sedentary time were estimated using a combined accelerometer and heart rate monitor at baseline and 2- and 8-year follow-ups. Cumulative exposures were computed using area under the curves. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and cardio-ankle vascular index were assessed using impedance cardiography, and carotid artery distensibility and carotid intima-media thickness was assessed using ultrasonography. Data were analyzed using linear regression models adjusted for age and sex and separately for systolic blood pressure, body fat percentage, and pubertal stage. RESULTS: No statistically significant associations were found in the complete sample or in boys (P > .05). Higher cumulative PA energy expenditure (β = -0.260; 95% CI, -0.495 to -0.025) and moderate to vigorous PA (β = -0.341; 95% CI, -0.570 to -0.112) were associated with lower carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, and higher cumulative moderate to vigorous PA (β = -0.346; 95% CI, -0.573 to -0.118) was associated with lower cardio-ankle vascular index at 8 years in girls. CONCLUSION: In girls, higher PA, especially moderate to vigorous PA, may slow arterial stiffening, whereas boys may already be physically active beyond levels that yield further benefits.