Achieving Canadian physical activity guidelines is associated with better vascular function independent of aerobic fitness and sedentary time in older adults

Canadian physical activity guidelines recommend older adults accumulate 150 minutes of weekly moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Older adults who are insufficiently active may have reduced blood vessel health and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We tested this hypothesis in 11 older adults who did (7♀; 65±5 years; MVPA=239±81 minutes/week) and 10 older adults who did not (7♀; 68±9 years; MVPA=95±33 minutes/week) meet MVPA guidelines. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the brachial (BA) and popliteal (POP) arteries, as well as, nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (NMD; endothelial-independent dilation) in the POP were assessed via ultrasonography. Aerobic fitness (VO2peak) was determined using a graded, maximal cycle ergometry test via indirect calorimetry. MVPA and sedentary time were assessed over five days using the PiezoRx® and activPAL®, respectively. There were no differences in VO2peak (26±10 versus 22±10 mlO2/kg/min; p=0.26) or sedentary time (512±64 versus 517±76 minutes/day; p=0.87)...