Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the cross-sectional relationship between physical activity and C-reactive protein (CRP) in 211 middle-aged women (43.1 + 3.0 years). A secondary objective was to determine the extent to which body fat percentage operated as a confounder in the association between physical activity and CRP. Physical activity was objectively measured using MTI accelerometers, which the subjects wore for seven continuous days. Fasting blood samples were taken, from which CRP was measured using a solid phase ELISA. Body fat percentage was assessed using the Bod Pod. Results showed that physical activity was significantly and inversely related to CRP concentrations (F = 4.20, p = 0.042). Specifically, regression analysis showed that for each 100,000 count increase in physical activity (about 25 minutes of moderate exercise), there was a decrease of 0.026 mg/L of CRP. However, after adjusting for differences in body fat percentage, measured physical activity was no longer a significant predictor of CRP (F = 0.01, p = 0.927). These findings suggest that although higher physical activity levels are related to lower CRP levels, this relationship is almost entirely a function of differences in body fat.

Degree

College and Department

Life Sciences; Exercise Sciences

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