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Stand up for health—avoiding sedentary behaviour might lengthen your telomeres: secondary outcomes from a physical activity RCT in older people
  1. Per Sjögren1,
  2. Rachel Fisher2,
  3. Lena Kallings3,
  4. Ulrika Svenson4,
  5. Göran Roos4,
  6. Mai-Lis Hellénius5
  1. 1Unit of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
  2. 2Atherosclerosis Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
  3. 3Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
  4. 4Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
  5. 5Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
  1. Correspondence to Per Sjögren, Unit of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala Science Park, Uppsala SE 751 85, Sweden; per.sjogren{at}pubcare.uu.se

Abstract

Background Telomere length has been associated with a healthy lifestyle and longevity. However, the effect of increased physical activity on telomere length is still unknown. Therefore, the aim was to study the relationship between changes in physical activity level and sedentary behaviour and changes in telomere length.

Methods Telomere length was measured in blood cells 6 months apart in 49, 68-year-old, sedentary, overweight individuals taking part in a randomised controlled physical activity intervention trial. The intervention group received individualised physical activity on prescription. Physical activity was measured with a 7-day diary, questionnaires and a pedometer. Sitting time was measured with the short version of The International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Results Time spent exercising as well as steps per day increased significantly in the intervention group. Reported sitting time decreased in both groups. No significant associations between changes in steps per day and changes in telomere length were noted. In the intervention group, there was a negative correlation between changes in time spent exercising and changes in telomere length (rho=−0.39, p=0.07). On the other hand, in the intervention group, telomere lengthening was significantly associated with reduced sitting time (rho=−0.68, p=0.02).

Conclusions Reduced sitting time was associated with telomere lengthening in blood cells in sedentary, overweight 68-year-old individuals participating in a 6-month physical activity intervention trial.

  • Biochemistry
  • Exercise
  • Genetic Testing

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