Physical activity is good for your heart, but why? A big reason may be its role in lowering inflammation. “Inflammatory markers derived from adipose (fat) tissue have emerged as key contributors in the development of cardiometabolic disease, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes,” says Chantal A. Vella, PhD, an associate professor in the department of movement sciences at the University of Idaho.
Vella and colleagues looked at 1,970 adults, average age 65, from a study of a large, multi-ethnic population (dubbed MESA) from several regions across the US. They observed that the more time people spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, the more several markers of inflammation improved.
“The study included household, transportation, occupational and volunteer physical activity, in addition to intentional exercise,” Vella says. “It provides evidence that accumulation of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, regardless of whether or not the activity is intentional, contributes to lowering inflammation in middle-age and older adults.” The study is in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
To learn more: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, May 2017–