Author(s): TERADA, K., NAKATANI, T., OHARA, S., SHINGU, K., SAKAGUCHI, M., KAWABE, T., MIYAI, N., Institution: TENRI UNIVERSITY, Country: JAPAN, Abstract-ID: 1193

INTRODUCTION:
Lower-limb muscle mass and muscle strength have been reported to be associated with certain risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) (De Lima et al., 2021). However, little attention has been paid to the relationship between human movement performance derived from lower-limb muscle function and ASCVD risk. Human movement is generated through the integration of multiple physical fitness components, including muscle function. Among these components, agility, defined as the ability to respond rapidly and move the body quickly in reaction to sudden events, represents an essential aspect of functional capacity. Although lower-limb agility in middle-aged and older adults is considered important for fall prevention, its association with ASCVD risk has not yet been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to obtain preliminary evidence on the relationship between lower-limb agility and risk factors for ASCVD in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults.
METHODS:
A total of 339 community-dwelling adults aged 41–83 years (207 women and 132 men) participated in a health examination program aimed at the prevention of ASCVD. The examination included field-based physical performance tests, anthropometric measurements, and blood biochemical analyses. Lower-limb agility was assessed using a 10-second stepping test, which measures the number of alternating foot taps on the floor completed within 10 seconds. Other physical performance tests included handgrip strength, maximum two-step length, and ground reaction force during a chair stand, expressed as the stand-up index (SUI). Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were calculated to examine associations between physical performance measures and ASCVD risk factors.
RESULTS:
In the total sample, handgrip strength and SUI were correlated with several ASCVD risk factors. In contrast, the 10-second stepping test showed relatively stronger correlations with lower-limb muscle mass, hemoglobin A1c, lactate dehydrogenase, carotid intima–media thickness (IMT), brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and the blood urea nitrogen-to-albumin ratio (BAR) compared with other physical performance measures. These associations were more pronounced in women than in men.
CONCLUSION:
Lower-limb agility assessed using the 10-second stepping test was associated with several ASCVD risk factors, suggesting that agility may reflect aspects of vascular and metabolic health beyond muscle strength alone. Furthermore, sex differences may influence these associations. Further analyses adjusting for potential confounding factors are warranted to clarify the role of lower-limb agility as a functional indicator related to ASCVD risk.
FUNDING:
This study was supported by the Tenri University Research Grant (2025).
REFERENCE:
De Lima TR, Martins PC, Guerra PH, Santos Silva DA. Muscular strength and cardiovascular risk factors in adults: A systematic review. Phys. Sportsmed., 49(1), 18–30, 2021.