Physical Activity Reduces Inflammation Marker

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Physical Activity Reduces Inflammation Marker

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Sept 10 - The results of a study published in the

September issue of Epidemiology show that physical activity is inversely

associated with C-reactive protein concentrations. This suggests that

physical activity may reduce inflammation, which plays an important role in

the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease.

" Physical activity may lower the risk for coronary heart disease by

mitigating inflammation, which plays a key role in the pathophysiology of

atherosclerosis, " Dr. Earl S. Ford, of the US Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention in Atlanta, notes.

To investigate, Dr. Ford examined the association between physical activity

and C-reactive protein concentrations in 13,748 participants in the National

Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, conducted between 1988 and

1994.

After adjusting for numerous factors, he found that subjects who

participated in light, moderate or vigorous physical activity had odds

ratios for elevated C-reactive protein concentrations of 0.98, 0.85 and

0.53, respectively, compared with those who engaged in no leisure-time

physical activity.

Using linear regression models, the author also observed a positive

association between leisure-time physical activity and serum albumin

concentration. Physical activity was inversely associated with

log-transformed fibrinogen concentration and log-transformed white blood

cell concentration.

" Research to delineate the exact mechanisms through which physical activity

influences the inflammatory process will help improve our understanding of

some of the benefits of physical activity, " Dr. Ford explains. " Furthermore,

additional research concerning the relation of the intensity, duration, and

type of physical activity with inflammation could yield additional insights

into how physical activity might influence inflammation. "

Epidemiology 2002;13:561-568.