This study investigated the mediating effects of body composition, blood pressure, and insulin resistance on the associations between sedentary time, physical activity, and arterial health in 1574 adolescents. Higher sedentary time was linked to lower carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), partially mediated by lean mass. Higher light physical activity (LPA) was associated with lower carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). Higher moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) correlated with increased carotid elasticity, and increased cIMT (mediated by lean mass). Insulin resistance partially mediated the MVPA-carotid elasticity association. The study suggests LPA benefits arterial function while MVPA's effects on arterial structure are complex, influenced by lean mass.

Andrew O. Agbaje