| Title: | Intensity Matters: Vigorous Activity is Associated with Lower Pressure-Independent Arterial Stiffness in the UK Biobank |
| Journal: | The Journals of Gerontology Series A |
| Published: | 27 Apr 2026 |
| Pubmed: | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42045005/ |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glag109 |
Publication 17821
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Arterial stiffness, a predictor of cardiovascular disease, reflects both structural properties of the arterial wall and load-dependent effects of intra-arterial pressure. Although exercise improves vascular health, its optimal intensity and effects on these stiffness components remain unclear in older adults.</p>
METHODS: We analyzed 34,105 UK Biobank participants (mean age 64; 49% female) with finger-derived arterial stiffness index (ASI) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-assessed activity. ASI was regressed on mean arterial pressure (MAP) and decomposed into pressure-independent (ASI-PI; residuals) and pressure-dependent (ASI-PD; total minus ASI-PI) components. Multivariable models tested associations with total and intensity-specific MET-minutes, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, cardiometabolic, and medication factors.</p>
RESULTS: Higher overall physical activity was associated with lower total ASI (9.45 ± 2.93 for high activity vs 9.72 ± 2.89 for low; p < 0.001), and lower ASI-PI (-0.01 ± 2.91 for high vs 0.26 ± 2.88 for low vs; p < 0.001). The association between physical activity and ASI-PD was minimal. Each 1-SD higher total MET was associated with lower ASI-PI (β=-0.094, 95% CI -0.119 to -0.068; p < 0.001) but not ASI-PD. In intensity-specific models, vigorous activity was consistently associated with lower ASI-PI (β ≈-0.12; p < 0.001), whereas moderate activity showed modest positive associations, and walking activity was not significantly related. When total activity volume was held constant, vigorous METs were associated with lower ASI-PI, while associations with ASI-PD remained negligible.</p>
CONCLUSIONS: Vigorous activity was consistently associated with lower ASI-PI, suggesting beneficial vascular adaptations to exercise beyond its effects on hemodynamic load.</p>
3 Authors
- Amani M Norling
- Alyssa B Dufour
- Lewis A Lipsitz
1 Application
| Application ID | Title |
|---|---|
| 62594 | Combined associations of body weight and lifestyle factors with arterial health, cardiovascular events and mortality |
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