Leisure-time physical activity across adulthood and biomarkers of cardiovascular disease at age 60-64: a prospective cohort study

Background and aims This study examined associations between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) across adulthood (from age 36) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) biomarkers at age 60-64. Methods LTPA was reported by study participants from the MRC National Survey of Health and Development at ages 36, 43, 53 and 60-64 (n=1754) and categorised as inactive, moderately active (1-4/month) or most active (5+/month) at each age. Linear regression was used to examine associations between a cumulative adulthood LTPA score (range=0-8), and change in LTPA between ages 36 and 60-64 (i.e. always inactive, became inactive, became active, always active) and inflammatory [C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6)], endothelial [tissue-Plasminogen Activator (t-PA), E-selectin] and adipokine [leptin, adiponectin] measures extracted from overnight fasting blood samples at age 60-64. Results The more active a participant was over adulthood, the better their biomarker profile, e.g. fully-adjusted difference in t-PA (both sexes) and adiponectin (women) per unit increase in the LTPA score (95% confidence interval) = -2.2% (-3.6; -0.8) and 2.0% (0.2; 3.8). Those that became active at age 60-64 showed slightly healthier biomarker profiles than those that became inactive [e.g. fully-adjusted difference in IL-6 = -9.9% (-23.9; 4.1) vs. -3.8% (-12.4; 4.8)], although the best profiles were seen for those always active [IL-6: -15.0% (-24.2; -5.7)], when compared with the always inactive group. Conclusion Greater accumulation of LTPA across adulthood was associated with a more favourable CVD biomarker profile in early old age. Earlier uptake and long-term maintenance of LTPA may provide the greatest benefits for CVD prevention