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

Respir Med. 2019 Jan:146:116-123. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2018.11.017. Epub 2018 Dec 15.

Abstract

Introduction: Restrictive spirometry pattern is an under-recognised disorder with a poor morbidity and mortality prognosis. We compared physical activity levels between adults with a restrictive spirometry pattern and with normal spirometry.

Methods: Restrictive spirometry pattern was defined as a having post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ≥ Lower Limit of Normal and a FVC<80% predicted in two population-based studies (ECRHS-III and SAPALDIA3). Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The odds of having low physical activity (<1st study-specific tertile) was evaluated using adjusted logistic regression models.

Results: Subjects with a restrictive spirometry pattern (n = 280/4721 in ECRHS, n = 143/3570 in SAPALDIA) reported lower levels of physical activity than those with normal spirometry (median of 1770 vs 2253 MET·min/week in ECRHS, and 3519 vs 3945 MET·min/week in SAPALDIA). Subjects with a restrictive spirometry pattern were more likely to report low physical activity (meta-analysis odds ratio: 1.41 [95%CI 1.07-1.86]) than those with a normal spirometry. Obesity, respiratory symptoms, co-morbidities and previous physical activity levels did not fully explain this finding.

Conclusion: Adults with a restrictive spirometry pattern were more likely to report low levels of physical activity than those with normal spirometry. These results highlight the need to identify and act on this understudied but prevalent condition.

Keywords: Body mass index; Epidemiology; Lung function; Physical activity; Restrictive spirometry pattern.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Body Mass Index
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Female
  • Forced Expiratory Volume / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Lung / physiopathology*
  • Lung Diseases, Obstructive / epidemiology
  • Lung Diseases, Obstructive / physiopathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Prospective Studies
  • Respiratory Function Tests / methods
  • Spirometry / adverse effects*
  • Spirometry / methods
  • Vital Capacity / drug effects