The association of pulmonary function and physical fitness in a population study

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Association between pulmonary function and measured physical fitness has been investigated before with selected populations or subjects with specific respiratory diseases. Therefore, the association between pulmonary function and physical fitness still need clarification. <b>Aims and objectives:</b> Our aim was to study the association between pulmonary function and physical fitness in a national population survey. <b>Methods:</b> 4729 subjects (59% of the invited) participated the national population survey Health 2011, which included questionnaires and various measurements. Of these subjects 4100 completed spirometry, 4084 handgrip strength test (HGS), 4049 sit-to-stand test (STST), and 2865 attended the Physical Activity and Fitness sub-study and of whom 1634 took part also in the six-minute walk test (6MWT). We made a multivariate regression analysis, and the results are expressed as regression coefficient beeta for one-unit increase in continuous factors with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and p value. Pulmonary function is presented as forced expiratory volume (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC. <b>Results:</b> FEV1 had an association with HGS (beeta = 0.248; 95% CI 0.226 – 0.270; p &lt; 0.001), STST (beeta = -0.116; 95% CI -0.15 – -0.08; p &lt; 0.001), and 6MWT (beeta = 0.101; CI 0.066 – 0.135; p &lt; 0.001), correspondingly, in analysis adjusted for age, sex, BMI, smoking, education, and diagnosed diseases. FVC and self-reported physical fitness level had a similar association with the fitness tests. FEV1/FVC showed no association with exercise capacity. <b>Conclusions:</b> Better results in physical fitness tests associated with higher pulmonary function in the present population study.