Relationship between daily physical activity, physical characteristics and pulse wave velocity in middle-aged and elderly subjects

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between the daily physical activity, physical characterisics and pulse wave velocity in middle-aged and elderly subjects. The study subjects were 40 persons (11 male and 29 female; mean age, 62.5 ± 4.9 years). Physical activity was measured using an accelerometer with a focus on the number of steps and physical exercise. Partial correlation analysis revealed no correlation between physical activity and cardiovascular endurance. The number of steps was significantly correlated with the weight bearing index, quadriceps femoris muscle mass, pulse wave velocity, body fat mass and lean body mass. Physical exercise was significantly correlated with the weight bearing index, body fat mass, quadriceps femoris muscle mass, lean body mass and basal metabolism. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed the weight bearing index and pulse wave velocity as determinants of the number of steps, and lean body mass as a determinant of exercise. These results indicated that physical activity was closely correlated with the weight bearing index, pulse wave velocity and lean body mass.