Catalyst Awardee

Project Description

Conglomerating the Effects of Physical Activity on Cardiovascular Longevity in Ageing

Angela Koh Su-Mei, MBBS, MPH; Gao Fei, PhD; Jean-Paul Kovalik, MD, PhD; Lim Wee Shiong, MBBS; Tan Ru San, MBBS; Yeo Si Yong, PhD; Zhong Liang, PhD;
Competition Sponsor: Ministry of Health and National Research Foundation of Singapore
Awardee year: 2021

Physical activity is frequently prescribed as an important lifestyle modifier that promotes health and well-being. Among older adults, activity promotes muscle strength and overall fitness. However, ageing is associated with complex changes in bodily structure such as reduction in muscle mass and altered metabolism. These changes imply that measurements of body mass index (BMI), for instance, are inadequate for assessing response to physical activity. We have found that circulating metabolite markers in the blood may represent the sum of activity and ageing processes among older adults. In this study, we propose to advance this finding by measuring the changes in metabolite markers in relation to cardiovascular ageing health outcomes, in comparison to traditional targets such as BMI. This proposal will provide new targets for physical activity outcomes in promoting healthy longevity.

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