• Paul D Loprinzi, Jeremy P Loenneke, and Takashi Abe.
• Center for Health Behavior Research, Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, United States. Electronic address: pdloprin@olemiss.edu.
• Prev Med. 2015 Apr 1; 73: 130-2.

UnlabelledRed blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a novel biomarker indicative of cardiovascular disease. However, little research has examined the association of muscle strengthening activities (MSA) on RDW.ObjectiveExamine the association between MSA and RDW among a national sample of U.S. adults.MethodsData from the 2003-2006 (n=8257) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between MSA with RDW. Participants self-reported their extent of MSA (e.g., lifting weights, push-ups, and sit-ups) and RDW was assessed from a blood sample.ResultsIndependent of demographics, aerobic-based physical activity and established cardiovascular disease risk factors, for every 1 MSA session per day increase, the odds of having an elevated RDW (≥14.1%) reduced by 34% (p<0.05). In alignment with current resistance training guidelines by the government, for every increase of 2 MSA sessions per week, participants had an 11% reduced odds of having an elevated RDW (p=0.006).ConclusionEngagement in MSA is inversely associated with RDW. Although speculative, these findings suggest that changes in RDW may be one potential mechanism through which MSA may influence cardiovascular disease.Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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