Association of physical activity and sedentary time with blood cell counts: National Health and Nutrition Survey 2003-2006

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of objectively measured levels of physical activity and sedentary time with major blood cell counts (e.g. white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets) among adults. METHODS: Data collected from the 2003–2004 and 2005–2006 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was used to assess blood cell counts in relation to objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time (accelerometer). A series of linear regressions modes were used to assess these associations adjusting for a range of factors known to be associated with blood cell counts, including age, body mass index, dietary factors, and previous infections. RESULTS: Higher levels of moderate-vigorous physical activity (p(trend)<0.001) and lower sedentary time (p(trend) = 0.040) were associated with lower white blood cell counts. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that modifiable health behaviors, such as physical activity and sedentary time, may be associated with inflammatory status through white blood cell counts, which may be important for future disease risk.