Influence of arterial wave reflection on carotid blood pressure and intima-media thickness in older endurance trained men and women with pre-hypertension.

Increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) with aging is a significant predictor of mortality. Older endurance trained (ET) individuals have lower carotid artery stiffness but similar carotid IMT when compared to sedentary (SED) age-matched peers. The purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of arterial wave reflections to carotid hemodynamics and IMT in older ET and SED with pre-hypertension.

Physical activity, coronary artery calcium, and bone mineral density in elderly men and women: a preliminary investigation.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness, coronary artery calcification (CAC), and bone mineral density (BMD) in older adults. Thirteen highly active, endurance-trained "master athletes" (7 male and 6 female) and 12 sedentary (6 male and 6 female) older adults (age 60-78 years) were recruited for this study. All subjects had CAC measured by electron beam computed tomography; BMD assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; and plasma mineral regulatory proteins, including matrix Gla protein, fetuin-A, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and osteoprotegerin, measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.