Difference in the Arterial Stiffness Measures between Métis Adults with High or Low Connection to Land

Abstract

College of Kinesiology Research Theme: Indigenous Wellness

Introduction: Qualitative research identified land connection as a significant determinant of Métis health. Arterial stiffness, a measure of vascular health, may help evaluate the significance of land connection on cardiovascular health. This study aimed to explore how arterial stiffness measures differed between Métis adults with high or low land connection.

Methods: In partnership with Saskatoon Métis Local 126, Métis adults completed an in-person, paper questionnaire about land connection. Four questions measured participants' land connection: 1) time spent on the land; 2) rural land accessibility; 3) feelings of holistic wellness from land connection; and 4) ability to connect with the land anytime. Central and peripheral pulse wave velocities (PWV) were used to measure arterial stiffness and were compared between individuals with high and low land connections.

Results: The 56 participants (35 females, 21 males) had a mean age of 34 ± 13 years. For each question, the central, upper and lower peripheral PWV were similar between those with high and low land connections. For overall scores, central PWV was similar between high and low land connection groups (n = 42 vs. 11; 8.57 ± 3.83 m·s^-1 vs. 8.86 ± 4.57 m·s^-1; p = 0.42). Upper peripheral PWV was similar between high and low land connection groups (n = 41 vs. 11; 20.44 ± 10.39 m·s^-1 vs. 25.50 ± 18.13 m·s^-1; p = 0.20). Lower peripheral PWV was similar between high and low land connection groups (n = 39 vs. 11; 9.98 ± 2.35 m·s^-1 vs. 10.24 ± 1.52 m·s^-1; p = 0.37).

Conclusion: This study found no significant association between land connection and arterial stiffness among Métis adults. Future research with larger sample sizes and appropriate control for physical activity variables is needed.