PRETERM BIRTH, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AND ARTERIAL STIFFNESS IN YOUNG ADULTS

PURPOSE: To compare arterial stiffness and physical activity (PA) between preterm (PT) and term-born (T) young adults and determine if PA is a partial mediator of arterial stiffness. METHODS: 68 PT (31 M) and 33 T (15 M), 18-23 yrs old, participated. Arterial stiffness was assessed via applanation tonometry from which augmentation index (AI) and AI at heart rate of 75 (AI75) were examined. Physical activity (PA) was assessed via questionnaire and past year average total hours per week (TOT-hrs), vigorous hours per week (Vig-hrs; PA > 6 METs), MET-hrs per week were determined. Between group differences were examined with independent samples t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests, and regression analysis was used to examine relationships and potential mediation. RESULTS: AI did not differ between PT and T (1.38 + 11.04% vs. -2.33 + 8.25%), however, AI75 was significant (p<.01) (0.21 + 11.15% vs. -5.64 + 8.08%). TOT-hrs per week were similar between PT and T, but Vig-hrs (1.98 + 3.66 v. 2.90 + 3.63 hrs/wk) and MET-hrs (36.36 + 43.50 v. 45.08 + 32.41 hrs/wk) were significantly lower in PT v. T. PT and T differences in AI75 were no longer significant after adjusting for height differences. CONCLUSIONS: Earlier pulse wave reflection associated with shorter stature likely accounted for greater SBP augmentation observed in PT versus T. Less participation in vigorous PA by PT was not associated with arterial stiffness, but is concerning and may contribute to CVD risk.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2017

Author dc:creator

• Cottle, Jordan

• Arterial Stiffness

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/82240

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/82240