scholarly journals Physical Activity and Telomere Biology: Exploring the Link with Aging-Related Disease Prevention

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew T. Ludlow ◽  
Stephen M. Roth
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Replicative Senescence ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Related Disease ◽  
Age Related ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Telomere Biology

Physical activity is associated with reduced risk of several age-related diseases as well as with increased longevity in both rodents and humans. Though these associations are well established, evidence of the molecular and cellular factors associated with reduced disease risk and increased longevity resulting from physical activity is sparse. A long-standing hypothesis of aging is the telomere hypothesis: as a cell divides, telomeres shorten resulting eventually in replicative senescence and an aged phenotype. Several reports have recently associated telomeres and telomere-related proteins to diseases associated with physical inactivity and aging including cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and hypertension. Interestingly several reports have also shown that longer telomeres are associated with higher physical activity levels, indicating a potential mechanistic link between physical activity, reduced age-related disease risk, and longevity. The primary purpose of this review is to discuss the potential importance of physical activity in telomere biology in the context of inactivity- and age-related diseases. A secondary purpose is to explore potential mechanisms and important avenues for future research in the field of telomeres and diseases associated with physical inactivity and aging.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Physical Activity among Adolescents from 105 Low, Middle, and High-Income Countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 3145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adilson Marques ◽  
Duarte Henriques-Neto ◽  
Miguel Peralta ◽  
João Martins ◽  
Yolanda Demetriou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public Health Policies ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Timor Leste ◽  
National Prevalence

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) is a beneficial health behaviour, however most adolescents worldwide are physically inactive. Updated information on the prevalence and trends of PA is important to inform national and international authorities and support countries’ public health policies and actions. This study aimed to present the worldwide, regional, and national prevalence of PA participation according to its frequency in adolescents. Methods: This study is based on cross-sectional surveys of adolescents’ populations from several countries and all regions worldwide. The sample comprised 520,533 adolescents (251,788 boys; 268,745 girls), from 105 countries and regions. Results: Most adolescents engaged in PA up to 3 days/week (57.1%; 95% CI: 56.9; 57.2). The prevalence of engaging in PA every day decreases over the age from 28.2% at age of 11–12 years (95% CI: 27.4; 29.0) to 21.2% at age of 16–17 years (95% CI: 20.3; 22.0) among boys; and from 19.4% (95% CI: 18.5; 20.2) to 11.1% (95% CI: 10.1; 12.0) among girls. For boys and girls who engaged in PA 5-6 days/week, the prevalence increases from countries with the lowest human development index to countries with the highest. Cambodia (7.3%, 95% CI: 3.8; 10.8), Philippines (7.7%, 95% CI: 5.6; 9.7), Sudan (8.8%, 95% CI: 4.7; 12.9), Timor-Leste (8.9%, 95% CI: 5.5; 12.3), and Afghanistan (10.1%, 95% CI: 6.1; 14.1) were the countries with the lowest prevalence of sufficient PA. Conclusions: National, regional, and worldwide data on the prevalence of physical activity in adolescents highlights the importance of improving the global levels of PA, especially in girls. Identifying the factors causing the age-related decrease in physical activity levels will permit public health entities to define priority actions and policies against physical inactivity.

Summary and Assessment of Studies on Cardiac Aging in Nonhuman Primates

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hillary F Huber ◽  
Peter W Nathanielsz ◽  
Geoffrey D Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Life Course ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Nonhuman Primates ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cardiac Aging ◽  
Related Disease ◽  
Biomarkers Of Aging ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Wide Range

Nonhuman primates (NHP) are important translational models for cardiac aging. To assess progress in this research area and to provide a reference for other investigators, we identified papers indexed in PubMed to determine what species, ages, outcomes, treatments, and approaches have been studied. Since 1983, 33 studies of cardiac aging in NHP have been published.Of these, 27 used species of macaque, 6 baboon, 1 vervet, 1 orangutan, and 1 marmoset (some studies were multispecies).Common research approaches were echocardiography, ECG, and histology of the left ventricle. Only 10 studies performedsex-based analyses. The average age of the oldest macaque studied was 26 y. The reported mean lifespan of macaques incaptivity is around 30 y. The age of the oldest baboon studied was 24 y. Baboons in captivity are reported to live on averageto 21 y. Twelve studies took a “life course” approach, studying animals of a wide range of ages from less than or equal to 10y through the late teens to thirties, and employing analyses designed to show change over time. Keeping NHP into old ageis a major challenge for biomedical research. The ideal design is to start monitoring in early life and to track how cardiacstructure and function change with age. Important issues for future research are an increased focus on life-course approaches, investment in existing life-course NHP cohorts, better reporting of study sample characteristics, more molecular studies to identify genetic risk factors and mechanisms, attention to sex as a biological variable, a move away from descriptive reports to mechanistic studies, development of biomarkers to predict disease risk, and exploration of interventions that are implemented early in life to prevent or delay age-related disease later in life. Reducing exposure to early life adversity, identifying early-life biomarkers of aging and age-related disease, and early treatment can contribute to longer health span.

Physical Activity May Improve Aging Through Impacts on Telomere Biology

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-106
Author(s):  
Stephen M. Roth
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Cellular Aging ◽  
Critical Threshold ◽  
Telomere Shortening ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Related Disease ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Favorable Influence ◽  
Telomere Biology

Physical activity has long been touted as a means of reducing susceptibility to age-related disease and multiple studies have shown reduced mortality rates in individuals with a lifestyle including regular exercise. A variety of mechanisms for how physical activity reduces age-related diseases have been explored and multiple, redundant explanatory mechanisms are likely to emerge. Evidence has emerged that physical activity may impact directly on telomere biology, one of the primary theories of cellular aging. Telomeres are located at the ends of chromosomes and as cells divide, incomplete DNA replication results in telomere shortening; once shortening reaches a critical threshold, cell senescence results. Investigators hypothesize that part of the favorable influence of physical activity on mortality rates and age-related disease occurs through a direct impact on telomere biology, including delaying rates of telomere shortening. The present review examines key recent findings in this area and explores some of the unanswered questions and future directions for the field.

379 Do Depressive Symptoms Mediate the Association Between Insomnia and Physical Activity?

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A150-A151
Author(s):  
Jamie Walker ◽  
Rebecca Campbell ◽  
Ivan Vargas
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Energy Levels ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms

Abstract Introduction Insomnia and depression are highly comorbid and have been shown to be independently associated with lower levels of physical activity. It is not clear, however, if being less physically active is a risk factor for or consequence of depression and insomnia. The factors that explain the associations between insomnia, depression, and physical activity are likely complex and overlapping. For example, insomnia may predict inactivity by impacting one’s energy levels, leaving them too tired to exercise. Insomnia may also interfere with one’s motivation to exercise due to low mood, as insomnia is associated with the development of depressive symptoms. The purpose of the present study was to explore whether depression mediated the link between insomnia and low levels of physical activity. Methods A national online survey was conducted from April-June 2020. Participants completed surveys to assess demographics, mood, sleep, and physical activity. Depressive symptoms were estimated with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Insomnia symptoms were estimated with the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Physical activity levels were estimated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Analyses were conducted using multiple linear regression, with separate models for depression, insomnia, and the combination of the two, on levels of physical activity. Results 3,952 adults (Mage = 46.9 years) completed the survey. According to the unadjusted models, greater insomnia symptoms were associated with greater depressive symptoms (b = 0.4523, SE = 0.019593, p < .001), and lower levels of physical activity (b = -38.741, SE = 18.236, p = 0.0337). The relationship between insomnia and physical activity was no longer significant, however, when controlling for depression (b = -6.140, SE = 19.274, p = 0.75). According to the mediation analyses, there was an indirect effect of insomnia on physical activity that was explained by differences in depressive symptoms (Sobel Test = -4.895, SE = 6.518, p < .001). Conclusion Our findings support previous research indicating associations between symptoms of insomnia and depression and physical activity. Future research should examine if these same results hold using a longitudinal design. Support (if any) Vargas: K23HL141581

scholarly journals Increasing physical activity in people with COPD

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (11) ◽  
pp. 461-466
Author(s):  
Matthew Armstrong
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pulmonary Rehabilitation ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Behavioural Interventions ◽  
Extra Pulmonary

Levels of physical activity tend to be reduced in people with COPD. Matthew Armstrong discusses the benefits of improving activity levels in this group of patients It is well acknowledged that levels of physical activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are considerably lower than healthy-age matched individuals, with physical inactivity recognised as a key predictor of hospitalisation and mortality. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has become a major tool for managing symptoms of COPD and the associated extra-pulmonary effects. However, inconsistencies surrounding its effectiveness in terms of improving physical activity remain due to the complex nature of physical activity. To overcome these inconsistencies, both pharmacological and behavioural interventions have been documented to aid improvements in physical activity, with behavioural interventions alongside PR found to be the most effective tool to promote levels of physical activity. Health professionals must therefore look to incorporate an interdisciplinary approach in order to best achieve improvements in physical activity levels in patients with COPD.

The active grandparent hypothesis: Physical activity and the evolution of extended human healthspans and lifespans

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (50) ◽  
pp. e2107621118
Author(s):  
Daniel E. Lieberman ◽  
Timothy M. Kistner ◽  
Daniel Richard ◽  
I-Min Lee ◽  
Aaron L. Baggish
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Energy Allocation ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Proximate Mechanisms ◽  
Aging Populations ◽  
Selection For

The proximate mechanisms by which physical activity (PA) slows senescence and decreases morbidity and mortality have been extensively documented. However, we lack an ultimate, evolutionary explanation for why lifelong PA, particularly during middle and older age, promotes health. As the growing worldwide epidemic of physical inactivity accelerates the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases among aging populations, integrating evolutionary and biomedical perspectives can foster new insights into how and why lifelong PA helps preserve health and extend lifespans. Building on previous life-history research, we assess the evidence that humans were selected not just to live several decades after they cease reproducing but also to be moderately physically active during those postreproductive years. We next review the longstanding hypothesis that PA promotes health by allocating energy away from potentially harmful overinvestments in fat storage and reproductive tissues and propose the novel hypothesis that PA also stimulates energy allocation toward repair and maintenance processes. We hypothesize that selection in humans for lifelong PA, including during postreproductive years to provision offspring, promoted selection for both energy allocation pathways which synergistically slow senescence and reduce vulnerability to many forms of chronic diseases. As a result, extended human healthspans and lifespans are both a cause and an effect of habitual PA, helping explain why lack of lifelong PA in humans can increase disease risk and reduce longevity.

scholarly journals Habitual physical activity is not associated with lower cardiovascular risk profile or higher aerobic fitness

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Denis Fabrício Valério ◽  
Arthur Fernandes Gáspari ◽  
Giovana Vergínea de Souza ◽  
Cleiton Augusto Libardi ◽  
Claudia Regina Cavaglieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Aerobic Fitness ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
Risk Profile ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Profile ◽  
Vo2 Max

Introduction: Physical inactivity is considered as one of the factors to increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and decrease aerobic fitness mainly in middle-age. Increased habitual physical activity (HPA) is one of the strategies recommended to reduce physical inactivity. However, it is not known whether middle-age individuals who exclusively perform greater amount of HPA have greater aerobic fitness and / or a lower risk of CVDs. Objective: Verify the association between HPA with the risk of CVDs and aerobic fitness in individuals who only perform HPA. Method: We selected 89 male volunteers, age: 47.4 ± 5.06 years, who did not practice systemized physical training. Our measurements were: HPA by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Baecke questionnaires, the aerobic fitness by direct assessment of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 máx) and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by the score calculation of General Cardiovascular Risk Profile from Framingham Study. Results: There was no correlation of the HPA level with cardiovascular risk factors, general cardiovascular disease risk and VO2 máx. Moreover, no difference was found between the categorical groups of the IPAQ questionnaire and between the groups, “clusters”, calculated from the Baecke questionnaire scores for the variables of cardiovascular risk, general cardiovascular disease risk and VO2 máx. Conclusion: This study have found that the HPA level of middle-aged men is not associated with lower cardiovascular risk profile or higher aerobic fitness, suggesting that only increase HPA may not be enough to promote beneficial adaptations in aerobic fitness and improve risk profile for CVDs. These results may be related to low volume and intensity of HPA, which reinforces the importance of performing physical training with control of these variables for health promotion.

scholarly journals Trends in Self-Reported Sitting Time by Physical Activity Levels Among US Adults, NHANES 2007/2008–2017/2018

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (S1) ◽  
pp. S74-S83
Author(s):  
Emily N. Ussery ◽  
Geoffrey P. Whitfield ◽  
Janet E. Fulton ◽  
Deborah A. Galuska ◽  
Charles E. Matthews ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Premature Mortality ◽  
Linear Increase ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Point Estimate ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Active Adults

Background: High levels of sedentary behavior and physical inactivity increase the risk of premature mortality and several chronic diseases. Monitoring national trends and correlates of sedentary behavior and physical inactivity can help identify patterns of risk in the population over time. Methods: The authors used self-reported data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2007/2008–2017/2018) to estimate trends in US adults’ mean daily sitting time, overall, and stratified by levels of leisure-time and multidomain physical activity, and in the joint prevalence of high sitting time (>8 h/d) and physical inactivity. Trends were tested using orthogonal polynomial contrasts. Results: Overall, mean daily sitting time increased by 19 minutes from 2007/2008 (332 min/d) to 2017/2018 (351 min/d) (Plinear < .05; Pquadratic < .05). The highest point estimate occurred in 2013/2014 (426 min/d), with a decreasing trend observed after this point (Plinear < .05). Similar trends were observed across physical activity levels and domains, with one exception: an overall linear increase was not observed among sufficiently active adults. The mean daily sitting time was lowest among highly active adults compared with less active adults when using the multidomain physical activity measure. Conclusions: Sitting time among adults increased over the study period but decreased in recent years.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AS HEALTHY INTERVENTION AGAINST SEVERE OXIDATIVE STRESS IN ELDERLY POPULATION

2013 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
C. TOMAS-ZAPICO ◽  
E. IGLESIAS-GUTIERREZ ◽  
B. FERNANDEZ-GARCIA ◽  
D. DE GONZALO-CALVO
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Physiological Basis ◽  
Related Disease ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Relevant Risk Factor

Severe oxidative stress is a relevant risk factor for major deleterious health-related events in olderpeople and is thought to be an important contributor to age-related disease. Literature has suggested oxidativestress as a therapeutic target for mitigating the biological decline and attenuating the occurrence of adverseclinical events in aged individuals. However, definitive treatments are not known. Regular and moderate physicalactivity has been proposed as possible intervention for slowing age-related decline. This healthy strategy presentsa wide range of beneficial aspects for elderly, from the reduction of morbidity, disability, frailty and mortalityrates to treatment of many age-related disorders. Importantly, the global benefits on health are not shared by anyother strategies. Nevertheless, the physiological basis by which exercise produces its benefits to the organism isnot fully understood. This review summarizes the evidence for the role of physical activity as potential healthyintervention for mitigating the negative aspects of aging through the modulation of the oxidative mechanisms.

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