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Abstract

Background:

Several studies have revealed inverse associations between physical activity (PA) and C-reactive protein (CRP). However, few studies have examined associations between vigorous intensity PA (VIPA) and CRP using nationally representative samples.

Methods:

The sample (n = 14,461) included adults (≥20 years of age) who participated in the 1999–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Reported VIPA was categorized into none, insufficient (<500 MET·min·wk⁻¹), and meeting the 2008 Department of Health and Human Services PA recommendation (≥500 MET·min·wk⁻¹). The dependent variable was elevated CRP (3<CRP≤10mg/L). Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds and adjust for potential confounding variables.

Results:

Analysis revealed significantly lower odds of having elevated CRP for those reporting volumes of VIPA meeting the 2008 DHHS PA recommendation (odds ratio 0.75; 95% confidence interval 0.64–0.87, P = 0.0004). Adjustment for several metabolic risk factors minimally affected the observed associations.

Conclusions:

In a representative sample of U.S. adults, volumes of VIPA meeting current recommendations was associated with significantly lower odds of having an elevated CRP level when compared to those reporting no VIPA. These results suggest an inverse relationship may exist between VIPA and elevated CRP levels. Future studies should examine the associations among objectively measured VIPA, CRP, and other markers of metabolic health.

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