Patterns of senescence in human cardiovascular fitness: VO₂max in subsistence and industrialized populations

Abstract

Objectives This study explores whether cardiovascular fitness levels and senescent decline are similar in the Tsimane of Bolivia and Canadians, as well as other subsistence and industrialized populations. Among Tsimane, we examine whether morbidity predicts lower levels and faster decline of cardiovascular fitness, or whether their lifestyle (e.g., high physical activity) promotes high levels and slow decline. Alternatively, high activity levels and morbidity might counterbalance such that Tsimane fitness levels and decline are similar to those in industrialized populations. Methods Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was estimated using a step test heart rate method for 701 participants. We compared these estimates to the Canadian Health Measures Survey and previous studies in industrialized and subsistence populations. We evaluated whether health indicators and proxies for market integration were associated with VO2max levels and rate of decline for the Tsimane. Results The Tsimane have significantly higher levels of VO2max and slower rates of decline than Canadians; initial evidence suggests differences in VO2max levels between other subsistence and industrialized populations. Low hemoglobin predicts low VO2max for Tsimane women while helminth infection predicts high VO2max for Tsimane men, though results might be specific to the VO2max scaling parameter used. No variables tested interact with age to moderate decline. Conclusions The Tsimane demonstrate higher levels of cardiovascular fitness than industrialized populations, but levels similar to other subsistence populations. The high VO2max of Tsimane is consistent with their high physical activity and few indicators of cardiovascular disease, measured in previous studies.

The negative impact of market integration on cardiovascular fitness, inflammation markers and metabolic variables in Shuar Women living in Ecuadorian Amazonian Rainforest

“…First, seven years after the baseline examination body compartments and blood lipid concentrations are unaltered ( Table 2). The most likely explanation to these findings is that individuals in subsistence populations engage in physically demanding work well into old-age, a lifestyle that might counterbalance the senescent decline in lean body mass and cardiovascular fitness observed in industrialized populations [4]. This hypothesis was strengthened by the observation that there was no age-related decline in physical fitness measured at the follow-up survey.…”

Energy Expenditure in Humans and Other Primates: A New Synthesis

“…Consistent with this hypothesis, exercise is associated with a reduction in inflammation response and other metabolic activity that is implicated in the development of chronic disease (Michigan et al 2011, Roemmich et al 2014, Silverman & Deuster 2014. Population differences in energy allocation, rather than in TEE, could underlie low rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic illness and age-related decline in traditional populations (e.g., O'Dea 1991, Vasunilashorn et al 2010, Pisor et al 2013. Conversely, if physical activity has a limited effect on TEE, strategies for weight loss and healthy weight maintenance should focus on diet and food energy intake (Luke & Cooper 2013).…”

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“…Tsimane VO 2 max matches that of other subsistence populations, and is higher than estimates from industrialized populations. Their VO 2 max also declines more slowly than age-matched Canadians using a similar measurement method (Pisor et al 2013). Tsimane also show reduced vascular aging (e.g.…”

“…Their VO 2 max also declines GURVEN ET AL. | 415 more slowly than age-matched Canadians using a similar measurement method (Pisor, Gurven, Blackwell, Kaplan, & Yetish, 2013). Tsimane also show reduced vascular aging (e.g.…”