Leisure-time vigorous physical activity is associated with better lung function: the prospective ECRHS study

Abstract

ObjectiveWe assessed associations between physical activity and lung function, and its decline, in the prospective population-based European Community Respiratory Health Survey cohort.MethodsFEV1 and FVC were measured in 3912 participants at 27–57 years and 39–67 years (mean time between examinations=11.1 years). Physical activity frequency and duration were assessed using questionnaires and used to identify active individuals (physical activity ≥2 times and ≥1 hour per week) at each examination. Adjusted mixed linear regression models assessed associations of regular physical activity with FEV1 and FVC.ResultsPhysical activity frequency and duration increased over the study period. In adjusted models, active individuals at the first examination had higher FEV1 (43.6 mL (95% CI 12.0 to 75.1)) and FVC (53.9 mL (95% CI 17.8 to 89.9)) at both examinations than their non-active counterparts. These associations appeared restricted to current smokers. In the whole population, FEV1 and FVC were higher among those who changed from inactive to active during the follow-up (38.0 mL (95% CI 15.8 to 60.3) and 54.2 mL (95% CI 25.1 to 83.3), respectively) and who were consistently active, compared with those consistently non-active. No associations were found for lung function decline.ConclusionLeisure-time vigorous physical activity was associated with higher FEV1 and FVC over a 10-year period among current smokers, but not with FEV1 and FVC decline.

Telomere length and lung function in a population‐based cohort of children and mid‐life adults

“…Several variables were considered a priori as potential confounders taking published literature into account, including body mass index (BMI), socioeconomic status, puberty, smoking, physical activity, and inflammation. Each of these variables has been associated with telomere length, as well as being commonly known factors that influence lung growth . BMI was calculated from height (Stadiometer, Invicta IP0955, UK) and weight (InBody230, Biospace, South Korea).…”

“…Each of these variables has been associated with telomere length, 4,21-24 as well as being commonly known factors that influence lung growth. [25][26][27][28][29] BMI was calculated from height (Stadiometer, Invicta IP0955, UK) and weight (InBody230, Biospace, South Korea). For children, an age-and sex-adjusted BMI z-score was calculated using growth reference charts.…”

Restrictive spirometry pattern is associated with low physical activity levels. A population based international study

“…Using identical questions, both the ECRHS and SAPALDIA collected information on how often (frequency) and for how many hours per week (duration) participants usually exercised so much that they got out of breath or sweaty. Individuals were categorised as active if they exercised with a frequency of 2-3 times a week or more and with a duration of about 1 h a week or more, as previously published [24,25]. Participants were defined as having "low physical activity" otherwise.…”

Linking COPD epidemiology with pediatric asthma care: Implications for the patient and the physician

“…Within this group, both smokers and those with childhood asthma were over-represented and almost half had developed fixed airway obstruction by their mid-50s. 4 In those who do smoke, there is evidence that diets rich in antioxidants 16 and remaining physically active 17 Patients and their families will be concerned over the potential effect of traffic-related air pollution on their lung health. Traffic-related pollution at the levels observed in most of Western Europe has yet to be shown to have major deleterious effect on lung function decline in adults.…”