Physical Activity in Early Adolescence and Pulmonary Function Gain From 15 to 18 Years of Age in a Birth Cohort in Brazil.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between physical activity from 11 to 15 years of age and pulmonary function (PF) gain from 15 to 18 years of age among adolescents in a birth cohort in Brazil.

METHODS

Longitudinal analysis of the individuals participating in the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study. Physical activity was assessed by self-report at ages 11 and 15, spirometry was performed at ages 15 and 18 (n = 3571). Outcome variables assessed were gains in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV), forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF). Crude and adjusted linear regressions, stratified by sex, and mediation analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Boys who were active (leisure-time and total physical activity) at ages 11 and 15 had higher gains in FEV, FVC, and PEF than those who were inactive. Vigorous-intensity physical activity in boys was also associated with FEV and FVC gains. Mediation analyses showed that height at age 18 accounted for 5% to 75% of the association between physical activity and PF gains. No significant associations were found among girls.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical activity in early adolescence is associated with gains in PF by the end of adolescence in boys.