Association of impaired lung function and objectively measured physical activity

<bold>Introduction:</bold> As a result of modern lifestyle, physical activity has decreased on population level, which cause health concerns worldwide. In pulmonary diseases such as asthma and COPD, physical activity is shown to reduce mortality and morbidity. Many of the prior works studying the association between physical activity and pulmonary function, have determined physical activity by questionnaires. <bold>Objective:</bold> To study the association between objectively measured physical activity and pulmonary function in a population-based study. <bold>Methods:</bold> 4729 subjects took part in Health 2011 survey representing Finnish adult population. Of those, 1511 completed spirometry and the required four-day accelerometer wear-time. Spirometry values of forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were determined. We compared the differences in daily physical activity measured with triaxial accelerometer between those with obstructive or restrictive spirometry results (defined as FEV1/FVC<-1.65, lower limit of normal (LLN) and FVC<-1.65, respectively), and those with FEV1<-1.65 to those with normal spirometry in adjusted logistic regression analysis. <bold>Results:</bold> Airway obstruction, pulmonary restriction, and FEV1<-1.65 were associated with less time spent in moderate (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-2.48; OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.00-2.35; OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.15-2.56) and moderate-to-vigorous level of physical activity (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.02-2.35; OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.06-2.38; OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.21-2.62). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Our results show the association between impaired pulmonary function and decreased daily physical activity.