Physical fitness and physical activity levels in people with alcohol use disorder versus matched healthy controls: A pilot study.

Abstract

Low physical fitness and physical inactivity have been recognized as prominent behavioral risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality. To date, no studies have ystematically assessed physical fitness and physical activity in patients with alcohol use disorders (AUD) vs. a healthy comparison group. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess and compare the physical fitness and physical activity levels in patients with AUD against healthy controls. Thirty inpatients with AUD (22 males, 40.4±10.5 years, illness duration=9.7±9.3 years) and 30 age-, gender- and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls were included. All participants performed the Eurofit test battery and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Patients also completed the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). The PANAS positive and negative scores were 30.1±7.5 and 27.6±8.2; the AUDIT score was 27.3±7.0. Patients with AUD had a reduced whole body balance (flamingo balance test: 12.1±5.1 vs. 8.7±3.9 attempts; p=0.005), speed of limb movement (plate tapping: 13.3±2.7 vs. 11.6±2.2s, p=0.007), explosive leg muscle strength (standing broad jump: 151.8±34.9 vs. 174.2±33.7cm; p=0.01), abdominal muscular endurance (sit-ups: 15.9±5.7 vs. 19.8±7.1; p=0.02), and running speed (shuttle run: 25.4±4.5 vs. 23.1±4.0s). Patients with AUD were also significantly less physically active than healthy controls (1020.9±578.8 vs. 1738.7±713.3 MET-minutes/week; p<0.001). Backward regression analyses demonstrated that older age and higher BMI explained lower physical fitness levels, whereas longer illness duration and impaired explosive muscle strength explained lower total physical activity levels. The current findings suggest that lower physical fitness and physical activity are emerging as prominent modifiable risk factors in patients with AUD. Future research should explore the benefits of specific rehabilitation interventions aimed at increasing physical activity and physical fitness in this vulnerable group.