Impact of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior on Mortality in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to examine the association between inactive time, leisure-time physical activity and mortality in individuals diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

DESIGN

This study utilized a nationally representative sample of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey ( n = 1817; weighted population, 23,698,840). Mortality was tracked from the date of interview and examination. Leisure-time physical activity and sedentary time were assessed using a Global Physical Activity Questionnaire.

RESULTS

The study found that only 28% of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease achieved sufficient leisure-time physical activity (leisure-time physical activity ≥150 mins/wk), while 58% reported no physical activity and 47% sat for over 6 hrs per day. Over a 9-yr follow-up period, 501 deaths occurred, with 101 due to heart diseases. Adequate leisure-time physical activity levels were associated with a decreased risk of mortality from any cause. Moreover, patients who engaged in sufficient leisure-time physical activity and reduced sitting time had a lower risk of mortality from any cause compared to those who did not engage in sufficient leisure-time physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Participating in an adequate amount of leisure-time physical activity was linked to a reduced risk of death from any cause in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, irrespective of the extent of the leisure-time physical activity, there was no significant correlation between sedentary behavior and the risk of mortality.