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The Relationship of Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Physical Activity, and Coronary Artery Calcification to Cardiovascular Disease Events in CARDIA Participants

Moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and coronary artery calcification (CAC) are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. While a U-shaped relationship between CRF or MVPA and CAC has been reported, the presence of CAC among highly fit individuals…

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Associations Between Occupational Physical Activity and Left Ventricular Structure and Function Over 25 Years in CARDIA

Leisure time physical activity (LTPA) confers cardiovascular health benefits, while occupational physical activity (OPA) may have paradoxically negative health associations. This study tested the explanatory hypothesis that unfavourable cardiac remodelling may result from chronic OPA-induced cardiovascular strain. Longitudinal associations of…

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D3-creatine dilution, computed tomography and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for assessing myopenia and physical function in colon cancer: A cross-sectional study

Low skeletal muscle mass (myopenia) is common in cancer populations and is associated with functional decline and mortality, but prior oncology studies did not assess total body skeletal muscle mass. Instead, they measured surrogates such as cross-sectional area (CSA) of…

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Leisure time physical activity and bone mineral density preservation during the menopause transition and postmenopause: a longitudinal cohort analysis from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN)

Whether greater leisure time physical activity (LTPA) is associated with less bone mineral density (BMD) loss during the menopause transition (MT) remains an open question. We hypothesized that: 1) larger increases in LTPA from pre-/early perimenopause (period 1) to late…

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The prospective association of hyperandrogenism, oligomenorrhea and polycystic ovary syndrome with incident gestational diabetes: The coronary artery risk development in young adults women’s study

In this 28-year prospective study of 455 women (mean age: 26 years), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was associated with a 2.6-fold elevated risk of gestational diabetes (GDM). However, hyperandrogenism or oligomenorrhea in the absence of PCOS was not associated with GDM.

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Analysis of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Early Adulthood and Midlife With All-Cause Mortality and Fatal or Nonfatal Cardiovascular Disease

Optimizing cardiovascular fitness is a prevention strategy against premature death and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Since this evidence has largely been established in older populations, the importance of cardiorespiratory fitness during earlier periods of adulthood remains unclear. To examine the…

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Method for Activity Sleep Harmonization (MASH): a novel method for harmonizing data from two wearable devices to estimate 24-h sleep-wake cycles

Daily 24-h sleep-wake cycles have important implications for health, however researcher preferences in choice and location of wearable devices for behavior measurement can make 24-h cycles difficult to estimate. Further, missing data due to device malfunction, improper initialization, and/or the…

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Associations of accelerometer-determined sedentary behavior and physical activity with physical performance outcomes by race/ethnicity in older women

To determine the cross-sectional associations of accelerometer-measured time spent in physical activity intensity categories (sedentary, low and high light intensity, or moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) with physical performance outcomes [stair climb ascent, 40 foot walk test, and…

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Cardiovascular risk and functional burden at midlife: Prospective associations of isotemporal reallocations of accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary time in the CARDIA study

Cardiovascular risk and functional burden, or the accumulation of cardiovascular risk factors coupled with functional decline, may be an important risk state analogy to multimorbidity. We investigated prospective associations of sedentary time (ST), light intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate…

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Associations between longitudinal trajectories of insomnia symptoms and sleep duration with objective physical function in postmenopausal women: the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation

Examine the association between trajectories of self-reported insomnia symptoms and sleep duration over 13 years with objective physical function. We utilized data from 1,627 Study of Women's Health Across the Nation participants, aged 61.9 ± 2.7 years at the end…

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Bidirectional associations of accelerometer-derived physical activity and stationary behavior with self-reported mental and physical health during midlife

Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) is associated with favorable self-rated mental and physical health. Conversely, poor self-rated health in these domains could precede unfavorable shifts in activity. We evaluated bidirectional associations of accelerometer-estimated time spent in stationary behavior (SB), light…

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Bidirectional associations of accelerometer measured sedentary behavior and physical activity with knee pain, stiffness, and physical function: The CARDIA study

The objective was to examine bidirectional associations of accelerometer estimated sedentary time and physical activity with reported knee symptoms. Participants were 2,034 adults (mean age 45.3 ± 3.6 years, 58.7% female) from CARDIA. Generalized estimating equations for logistic regression and linear mixed regression…

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Longitudinal Associations of Midlife Accelerometer Determined Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity With Cognitive Function: The CARDIA Study

Background To determine if accelerometer measured sedentary behavior (SED), light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) in midlife is prospectively associated with cognitive function. Methods and Results Participants were 1970 adults enrolled in the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk…

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Recruitment strategies and design considerations in a trial of resistance training to prevent dose-limiting toxicities in colon cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Low muscle is associated with an increased risk of chemotherapy-related dose limiting toxicities (DLT) in cancer patients. Resistance training (RT) improves muscle mass; however, the effects of RT on preventing DLTs and dose reductions in colon cancer patients has not…

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Body mass index versus bioelectrical impedance analysis for classifying physical function impairment in a racially diverse cohort of midlife women: the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN)

Body composition strongly influences physical function in older adults. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) differentiates fat mass from skeletal muscle mass, and may be more useful than body mass index (BMI) for classifying women on their likelihood of physical function impairment…

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Association between Objective Activity Intensity and Heart Rate Variability: Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Mediation (CARDIA)

We evaluated the associations between accelerometer-estimated physical activity (PA) intensity and heart rate variability (HRV) and examined mediation of these associations by glycemic control indices and other cardiovascular disease risk factors. Data were from 1668 participants (X[Combining Overline]age = 45.9…

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Chronic psychosocial and financial burden accelerates 5-year telomere shortening: findings from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study

Leukocyte telomere length, a marker of immune system function, is sensitive to exposures such as psychosocial stressors and health-maintaining behaviors. Past research has determined that stress experienced in adulthood is associated with shorter telomere length, but is limited to mostly…

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Association Between Objective Activity Intensity & Heart Rate Variability: CVD Risk Factor Mediation (CARDIA)

We evaluated the associations between accelerometer-estimated physical activity (PA) intensity and heart rate variability (HRV) and examined mediation of these associations by glycemic control indices and other cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Data were from 1,668 participants (X[Combining Overline]age=45.9±3.5 years,…

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Perceived and objective characteristics of the neighborhood environment are associated with accelerometer-measured sedentary time and physical activity, the CARDIA Study

We investigated cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of neighborhood environment characteristics with accelerometer-measured sedentary time (SED), light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA). Participants were 2120 men and women in the year 20 (2005-2006) and year 30 CARDIA…

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Associations of Accelerometer-Measured Sedentary Time and Physical Activity With Prospectively Assessed Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: The CARDIA Study

Background Isotemporal substitution examines the effect on health outcomes of replacing sedentary time with light-intensity physical activity or moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity; however, existing studies are limited by cross-sectional study designs. Methods and Results Participants were 1922 adults from the…

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Healthy Lifestyle During the Midlife Is Prospectively Associated With Less Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation

Background Measures of subclinical atherosclerosis are predictors of future cardiovascular outcomes as well as of physical and cognitive functioning. The menopausal transition is associated with accelerated progression of atherosclerosis in women. The prospective association between a healthy lifestyle during the…

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The Utility and Cross-Validation of a Composite Physical Activity Score in Relation to Cardiovascular Health Indicators: Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults

Single-method assessment of physical activity (PA) has limitations. The utility and cross-validation of a composite PA score that includes reported and accelerometer-derived PA data has not been evaluated. Participants attending the Year 20 exam were randomly assigned to the derivation…

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Clinical importance of non-participation in a maximal graded exercise test on risk of non-fatal and fatal cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality: CARDIA study

While poor performance during a maximal graded exercise test (GXT) predicts cardiovascular events and premature mortality, the potential clinical importance of non-participation in a GXT, either for medical or non-medical reasons, is currently unknown. Data are from 4086 and 3547…

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Telephone-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women With Vasomotor Symptoms: A MsFLASH Randomized Clinical Trial

Effective, practical, nonpharmacologic therapies are needed to treat menopause-related insomnia symptoms in primary and women's specialty care settings. To evaluate the efficacy of telephone-based cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) vs menopause education control (MEC). A single-site, randomized clinical trial…

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Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations Between Objectively Measured Sedentary Time and Metabolic Disease: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

Prolonged sedentary time (ST) might be contributing to the diabetes epidemic, but most studies have been cross-sectional and few have objectively measured ST. The purpose of this study was to evaluate cross-sectional and 5-year longitudinal relationships between ST and metabolic…

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Effects of estrogen and venlafaxine on menopause-related quality of life in healthy postmenopausal women with hot flashes: a placebo-controlled randomized trial

This study aims to evaluate the effects of low-dose estradiol (E2) or venlafaxine on menopause-related quality of life and associated symptoms in healthy perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with hot flashes. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of low-dose oral 17?-E2 0.5…

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Simple physical performance measures and vascular health in late midlife women: the Study of Women’s Health across the nation

Physical performance measures have been shown to predict mortality and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) mainly in elderly populations. We evaluated whether physical performance measures are associated with vascular health indices (carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), adventitial diameter (cAD) and carotid plaque)…

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Recent evidence exploring the associations between physical activity and menopausal symptoms in midlife women: perceived risks and possible health benefits

Although the health benefits of physical activity are well established, the prevalence of midlife women accumulating sufficient physical activity to meet current physical activity guidelines is strikingly low, as shown in United States (U.S.) based surveillance systems that utilize either…

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Prospective Association of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome With Coronary Artery Calcification and Carotid-Intima-Media Thickness: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Women’s Study

To study the independent associations of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and its 2 components, hyperandrogenism and anovulation, with coronary artery calcification (CAC) and carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT). At the year 20 of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young…

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A pragmatic cluster randomized clinical trial of diabetes prevention strategies for women with gestational diabetes: design and rationale of the Gestational Diabetes’ Effects on Moms (GEM) study

Women with gestational diabetes (GDM) are at high risk of developing diabetes later in life. After a GDM diagnosis, women receive prenatal care to control their blood glucose levels via diet, physical activity and medications. Continuing such lifestyle skills into…

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Prospective associations between inflammatory and hemostatic markers and physical functioning limitations in mid-life women: Longitudinal results of the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN)

Due to the public health burden of age-related declines in physical functioning, it is important to identify targets for intervention for the prevention of functional decline. We prospectively examined whether higher levels of inflammatory and hemostatic markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein…

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Antral follicle count predicts natural menopause in a population-based sample: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Women’s Study

The timing of menopause is associated with multiple chronic diseases. Tools that predict this milestone have relevance for clinical and research purposes. Among infertile women, a positive relationship exists between antral follicle count (AFC) and response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation,…

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Relationship of race-ethnicity, body mass index, and economic strain with longitudinal self-report of physical functioning: the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation

This study examined progression and improvement of physical functioning limitations during the mid-life and whether race-ethnicity, economic strain, or body mass index were associated with these changes. Women from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation with one or…

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Effects of escitalopram on menopause-specific quality of life and pain in healthy menopausal women with hot flashes: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of escitalopram 10-20 mg/day on menopause-related quality of life and pain in healthy menopausal women with hot flashes. STUDY DESIGN: A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial of escitalopram 10-20mg/day vs. identical placebo was conducted among 205…

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Do Changes in Sex Steroid Hormones Precede or Follow Increases in Body Weight during the Menopause Transition? Results from The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation

CONTEXT: Whether menopause-related changes in sex steroids account for midlife weight gain in women or whether weight drives changes in sex steroids remains unanswered. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to characterize the potential reciprocal nature of the associations…

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Effect of escitalopram on insomnia symptoms and subjective sleep quality in healthy perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with hot flashes: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of escitalopram on insomnia symptoms and subjective sleep quality in healthy perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with hot flashes. METHODS: A randomized, blinded, multicenter, placebo-controlled parallel-group 8-week trial with 205…

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Are vasomotor symptoms associated with alterations in hemostatic and inflammatory markers? Findings from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation

OBJECTIVE: Emerging research suggests links between menopausal hot flashes and cardiovascular risk. The mechanisms underlying these associations are unclear due, in part, to the incomplete understanding of the physiology of hot flashes. We aimed to examine the longitudinal associations between…

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Fat mass modifies the association of fat-free mass with symptom-limited treadmill duration in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

BACKGROUND: The assessment of fat mass and fat-free mass in relation to the symptom-limited maximal exercise duration (Max(dur)) of a treadmill test allows for insight into the association of body composition with treadmill performance potential. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the complex…

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SNP-by-fitness and SNP-by-BMI interactions from seven candidate genes and incident hypertension after 20 years of follow-up: the CARDIA Fitness Study

The association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from seven candidate genes, including genotype-by-baseline fitness and genotype-by-baseline body mass index (BMI) interactions, with incident hypertension over 20 years was investigated in 2663 participants (1301 blacks, 1362 whites) of the Coronary Artery…

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Association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms from 17 candidate genes with baseline symptom-limited exercise test duration and decrease in duration over 20 years: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) fitness study

BACKGROUND: It is not known whether the genes involved with endurance performance during young adulthood are also involved with changes in performance. We examined the associations of gene variants with symptom-limited exercise test duration at baseline and decrease in duration…

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Prospective association of serum androgens and sex hormone-binding globulin with subclinical cardiovascular disease in young adult women: the ‘Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults’ women’s study

CONTEXT: The role of endogenous androgens and SHBG in the development of cardiovascular disease in young adult women is unclear. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to study the prospective association of serum androgens and SHBG with subclinical coronary and carotid disease…

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Joint associations of physical activity and aerobic fitness on the development of incident hypertension: coronary artery risk development in young adults

Fitness and physical activity are each inversely associated with the development of hypertension. We tested whether fitness and physical activity were independently associated with the 20-year incidence of hypertension in 4618 men and women. Hypertension was determined in participants who…

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Generational status and duration of residence predict diabetes prevalence among Latinos: the California Men’s Health Study

BACKGROUND: Diabetes disproportionately affects Latinos. However, examining Latinos as one group obscures important intra-group differences. This study examined how generational status, duration of US residence, and language preference are associated with diabetes prevalence and to what extent these explain the…

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Development of Alive! (A Lifestyle Intervention Via Email), and its effect on health-related quality of life, presenteeism, and other behavioral outcomes: randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Cost-effective interventions to improve diet and physical activity are a public health priority. Alive! is an email-based intervention to increase physical activity, reduce saturated and trans fats and added sugars, and increase fruit and vegetable consumption. It was shown…

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Cross-sectional analysis of specific complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by racial/ethnic group and menopausal status: the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN)

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationships of race/ethnicity, menopausal status, health characteristics, and symptoms with use of 21 types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in midlife women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, multiple logistic regression analyses of 2,118 women completing the sixth annual…

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Menopause transition stage and endogenous estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone levels are not related to cognitive performance: cross-sectional results from the study of women’s health across the nation (SWAN)

BACKGROUND: By one estimate, 60% of women experiencing the menopause transition perceive that they have memory problems, but most studies that have used cognitive function tests have not substantiated a relation between menopause stage and cognitive performance. We sought to…

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Longitudinal analysis of the association between vasomotor symptoms and race/ethnicity across the menopausal transition: study of women’s health across the nation

OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether vasomotor symptom reporting or patterns of change in symptom reporting over the perimenopausal transition among women enrolled in a national study differed according to race/ethnicity. We also sought to determine whether racial/ethnic differences were explained by…

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Development of overweight associated with childbearing depends on smoking habit: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate whether childbearing leads to development of overweight in women and to evaluate the role of other known risk factors. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A prospective, multicenter observational study, the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults…

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Physical activity and changes in weight and waist circumference in midlife women: findings from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation

Controversy exists regarding the extent to which age, menopausal status, and/or lifestyle behaviors account for the increased weight, fat mass, and central adiposity experienced by midlife women. To address this question, the authors longitudinally examined the relations of aging, menopausal…

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