Introduction: This study aimed to investigate and compare selected cardiovascular risk markers according to regular physical activity status in older men.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 81 older men aged 60 years and above residing in Dehdasht were classified into two groups according to their regular physical activity status: a regular physical activity group(n=54) and a non-regular physical activity group(n=27). The mean age and body mass index in the regular physical activity group were 64.65 ± 3.39 years and 25.45 ± 3.64 kg/m², respectively, while those in the non-regular physical activity group were 65.79 ± 3.76 years and 25.34 ± 3.90 kg/m², respectively. Physical activity was assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), while anthropometric indices, blood pressure, ankle–brachial index (ABI), glucose, and lipid profile were measured. Data were analyzed using independent-samples t-tests or Mann–Whitney U tests, as appropriate, along with appropriate correlation analyses. Statistical significance was set at(P<0.05).
Results: The results showed no statistically significant differences between the regular physical activity and non-regular physical activity groups in terms of age, height, weight, or body mass index (P>0.05). Similarly, no statistically significant differences were observed in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, ankle–brachial index (ABI), HDL-C, LDL-C, total cholesterol(TC), or the HDL-C/LDL-C ratio(P>0.05).
Conclusion: Regular physical activity may be considered as part of preventive approaches to cardiovascular health in older adults; however, longitudinal studies with adequate control of potential confounding factors are necessary to determine its independent and sustained association with cardiovascular risk factors.