Abstract
BACKGROUND: Black men are burdened by a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors than non-Hispanic White and Hispanic American men and women. Physical activity may improve other modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, but this relationship is understudied in Black men. METHODS: This study examined the cross-sectional association of moderate-intensity physical activity with an ideal cardiovascular health (ICH) score containing body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and smoking among 3793 Black men in African American Male Wellness Walks from 2017 to 2023. The 5 metrics were operationalized into continuous (0-10) and categorical ICH scores (0-5, 6-7, 8-10 [poor=0 points, intermediate=1 point, and ideal=2 points]). Linear and ordinal logistic regression models were used to examine the association of physical activity with continuous and categorical ICH scores, respectively. RESULTS: Having 4+ days of physical activity per week was associated with a 0.23-point (P<0.001) increase in ICH scores (0-10 points) and 26% higher odds (P<0.001) of a better ICH score category (0-5, 6-7, 8-10) compared with <4 days. Findings were similar when comparing 150+ minutes of physical activity per week with <150 minutes. Achieving 4+ days or 150+ minutes of physical activity per week was associated with better body mass index and blood pressure categories compared with <4 days or <150 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Ideal moderate-intensity physical activity was associated with improved ICH scores, body mass index, and blood pressure among Black men. Longitudinal research is needed to delineate the role of physical activity in improving cardiovascular health in Black men.