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A Method for Quantifying Upper Limb Performance in Daily Life Using Accelerometers
Published on: April 21, 2017
Association between Accelerometer-derived Physical Activity-related Metabolic Signature and Stroke: A Cohort Study
Bowen Tan1, Hewanmeng Geng2, Zeyu Hao1
1Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Jilin, Changchun, China.
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|November 9, 2025
Summary
Accelerometer-measured physical activity, including total physical activity (TPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), is linked to reduced stroke risk. Key metabolic signatures, particularly involving lipoproteins and lipids, significantly mediate this protective association.
Area of Science:
- Metabolomics
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
Background:
- Accelerometer-derived physical activity (PA) is linked to lower stroke risk.
- Biological pathways explaining this association remain unclear.
- This study identifies metabolic signatures related to PA and stroke risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify metabolic signatures associated with accelerometer-measured physical activity (PA).
- To investigate the role of these metabolic signatures in mediating the relationship between PA and stroke incidence.
Main Methods:
- Utilized UK Biobank data (N=29,445) with accelerometer and plasma metabolite data (249 NMR metabolites).
- Derived total physical activity (TPA), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and light physical activity (LPA).
- Employed elastic-net regression for signature development and Cox models for activity-stroke associations, followed by mediation analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified significant metabolite associations with TPA, MVPA, and LPA (FDR < 0.05), with 107, 92, and 15 validated, respectively.
- Developed TPA- and MVPA-metabolomic signatures correlating with PA intensity (r=0.20-0.30).
- These signatures were associated with reduced stroke risk (HR=0.61 for TPA, HR=0.50 for MVPA) and mediated 12.2% (TPA) and 8.5% (MVPA) of the PA-stroke association.
Conclusions:
- TPA- and MVPA-metabolomic signatures, particularly 11 key metabolites, significantly mediate the link between PA and stroke risk.
- Lipoprotein subclasses and lipids are implicated as key mediators in the PA-stroke relationship.
