Expanding social networks through physical activity: implications for cardiometabolic health

Both social networks (SN) and physical activity (PA) are linked to cardiovascular health, yet prospective studies examining them simultaneously are scarce.

This study examined the temporal relationship between SN and PA as well as the association of both factors with cardiometabolic markers.

A 1-year randomized controlled trial.

Remote intervention recruited from San Diego County, California.

Community sample of underactive adult Latinas (N-199).

Cognitive-behavioral and individually tailored PA program delivered remotely.

The 7-day Physical Activity Recall Interview measured moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and the Social Network Index Scale measured social network size, social role diversity, close ties (eg, family and friends), and peripheral ties (eg, neighbors and coworkers) at baseline and months 6 and 12. Total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides (TG) were collected from a non-fasting blood sample at baseline and month 6. Data were analyzed using lagged mixed-effect modeling and exploratory multivariable change-score regression.

Participants who engaged in greater MVPA subsequently had more peripheral social ties. The reverse association was not observed, as SN did not predict later MVPA. Increased total network size, diverse ties, or peripheral ties were associated with reduced total cholesterol and LDL, but not HDL or TG, independent of concurrent changes in MVPA. No significant associations were detected between MVPA and lipid biomarkers.

Engaging in PA can help cultivate new social relationships. The formation of broader and acquaintance-based social connections may contribute to better cardiometabolic health.