2.6 PULSE WAVE VELOCITY AND GAIT PERFORMANCE IN OLDER SUBJECTS

Background: Arterial stiffening is an age-related change and is a well-known cardiovascular risk factor but its association with physical decline is rarely evaluated. The aim of this analysis was to assess the association of arterial stiffness as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) with gait performance in older subjects. Methods: PWV was measured with Complior device. In all subjects was assessed: gait speed (V), Timed Up&Go test (TUG), handgrip strength, personal (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Body composition was assessed with DXA, nutritional status with Mini Nutritional Assessment. Standard blood laboratory tests and markers of inflammation (hsCRP, IL-6, pentraxin3-PTX3, osteoprotegerin-OPG, TNFα soluble receptor2-sTNFR2) were determined. Results: Mean age of 69 subjects (53–96 yrs) was 72.5 ± 9.8 yrs. Mean number of diseases was 5.3 ± 2.2, and of used medications was 7.0 ± 2.5. Subjects with PWV < 10 m/s and ≥10 m/s did not differ in systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, number of diseases and medications, IADL, ADL, handgrip strength. Patients with PWV < 10 m/s were younger (67.8 ± 6.4vs74.8 ± 10.4 yrs; p = 0.004), had higher V (1.02 ± 0.31vs0.798 ± 0.23 m/s; p = 0.006), lower TUG (9.69 ± 2.6vs11.81 ± 4.56; p = 0.02), higher mdrd (76.3 ± 21.4 vs 62.87 ± 20.3 ml/min/m2) and lower legs’ fat content (LEfat) (6433.1 ± 1934.2vs 8046.4 ± 3187.5g; p = 0.047). PWV correlated positively with age (r = .47, p < 0.0001), TUG (r = 0.26, p = 0.037), negatively with V (r = −0.37, p = 0.003), handgrip strength (r = −0.30, p = 0.015), ADL (r = −0.28, p = 0.02). In multiple regression analysis gait speed was negatively associated with PWV (β = −0.37; p = 0.0075), female gender (β = −0.36; p = 0.045) and TUG (β = −0.443; p = 0.0038), and positively with Hb (β = 0.30; p = 0.045), PTX3 (β = 0.608; p = 0.001), sTNFR2 (β = 0.374; p = 0.035). Conclusions: Artery stiffness, apart from female gender and inflammation, may be associated with poorer gait performance in older subjects.