Benefits Of Leisure-time Physical Activity Research Articles

Experiences of older adults leisure-time physical activity in aquatic and leisure facilities

ABSTRACT For older adults, being physically active is positively associated with various health benefits. Despite the positive benefits of leisure-time physical activity, most older adults within Australia do not participate in physical activity at a level to generate health benefits. Aquatic and leisure facilities are important infrastructure for supporting leisure-time physical activity with local governments in Australia investing significant public funds into their development and re-development. Little is currently known regarding the experiences of older adults in these facilities. Guided by a socio-ecological approach and drawing on a qualitative methodology, this study aimed to explore the experiences of older adults (n = 20, M = 73 years of age) using aquatic and leisure facilities to better understand how this setting might be more effectively utilized to support older adult leisure-time physical activity. Multilayered analysis revealed that the social cultural environment including social networks and the behaviour setting including location and having multiple leisure-time physical activity options, assisted in supporting participation. While social norms in the perceived environment detracted from older adult’s experience. Among other recommendations, aquatic and leisure facilities could consider implementing a comprehensive word of mouth strategy into the marketing framework and generate awareness of the broad social opportunities available.

Identifying Factors That Influence Physical Activity and Healthy Aging Among Older Latino Adults.

For older Latinos, some benefits of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) include enhanced cognitive functioning, decreased loneliness, and reduced premature mortality. Despite LTPA benefits, adults ≥50 years are one of the most inactive age groups in the United States. This qualitative study aimed to add to the limited evidence of LTPA in older Latino adults by exploring the barriers and facilitators for fitness class uptake and park use. Guided by a Social-Ecological Model of Health and Social Determinants of Health theoretical and a phenomenological research design, qualitative research data were collected via 27 personal interviews with Latino adults using a semistructured interview guide. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling strategies in collaboration with community partners. Bicultural data collectors conducted the semistructured interviews over Zoom. Thematic analysis was performed using Dedoose, following an inductive and deductive approach. The main barriers to fitness class attendance and park use were family and/or work commitments, perceived safety, and perceived discrimination. Conversely, the critical facilitators for participation were socialization into a group, social connectedness with group members, fitness instructor characteristics, and exercise history. Findings from this study hold important implications for the design of fitness programming and park-based recreation, including the need to increase the cultural diversity of recreation staff and culturally relevant programming. Future research is needed on time poverty related to family/work commitments and whether discriminatory practices at fitness centers, like ageism and race/ethnicity, influence physical activity behavior.

Different Levels of Leisure-time Physical Activity, Coping, and Mental Health among Older Adults with Diabetes during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 has led public health researchers to try to improve mental health among older adults with diabetes. Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) has emerged as a means of coping with mental health difficulties in the pandemic. Methods: We extracted 301 respondents from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) based on the following criteria: over 50 years old and the onset of diabetes. We used multiple questionnaire items to assess mental health (ie, loneliness, happiness, and positive and negative affect) for older adults with diabetes. We used multivariate analysis of variance to investigate the relationships between the fixed variable (ie, LTPA) and outcome variables (ie, mental health). We categorized LTPA participation into 3 groups (ie, low, mid, and high) and examined mental health following various levels of LTPA participation. Results: LTPA participation showed a significant group mean differences for loneliness, happiness, and positive affect, but not for negative affect. High-LTPA respondents presented lower loneliness and higher happiness than low-LTPA respondents. High-LTPA and mid-LTPA respondents indicated higher positive affect than low-LTPA respondents. Conclusions: This study provides evidence of the benefits of LTPA on mental health for older adults with diabetes and suggests that high-LPTA involvement can be effective in promoting mental health among older adults with diabetes in the COVID-19 era.

Leisure-time physical activity and all-cause mortality among adults with intellectual disability: the National Health Interview Survey.

Adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs) have higher rates of morbidity and mortality compared with the general population, necessitating a need to identify modifiable targets for intervention to mitigate risk. While the benefits of leisure-time physical activity (PA) are well established in the general population; there is a dearth of evidence confirming its health benefits among adults with IDs. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between leisure-time PA and all-cause mortality among a population-based sample of adults with IDs. A total of 413 adults with IDs from 17 waves (1997-2014) of the National Health Interview Survey, a U.S. nationally representative survey, were studied. Minutes per week of leisure-time PA was ascertained by self-report and classified as poor, intermediate or ideal levels of PA. Over a median follow-up of 7.2years, 60 participants died. In a multivariable-adjusted model, higher levels of leisure-time PA were dose-dependently associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (P-trend=0.008). The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for all-cause mortality comparing participants with intermediate and ideal versus poor levels of PA were 0.43 (0.18, 1.04) and 0.30 (0.10, 0.87), respectively. These findings show that leisure-time PA confers mortality benefit in adults with IDs and should be considered as a priority target for promoting health and longevity in this population.

Should You Start Leisure-Time Physical Activity in Midlife?

The benefits of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) are well established, but the value of starting LTPA later in life is less clear. In this

Association of Leisure-Time Physical Activity Across the Adult Life Course With All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality

Although the benefits of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) in middle age are established, the health effects of long-term participation and changes in LTPA between adolescence and middle age have not been documented. To determine whether an association exists between LTPA life course patterns and mortality. This prospective cohort study used data from the National Institutes of Health-AARP (formerly American Association of Retired Persons) Diet and Health Study established in 1995 to 1996. Data analysis was conducted from March 2017 through February 2018. Data were analyzed for 315 059 adult AARP members living in 6 states, namely, California, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, or Pennsylvania, or 2 metropolitan areas, Atlanta, Georgia, or Detroit, Michigan. Self-reported LTPA (hours per week) at the baseline interview for ages grouped as 15 to 18, 19 to 29, 35 to 39, and 40 to 61 years. All-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related, and cancer-related mortality records available through December 31, 2011. Of 315 059 participants, 183 451 (58.2%) were men, and the participants were 50 to 71 years of age at enrollment. Ten LTPA trajectories (categorized as maintaining, increasing, and decreasing LTPA across time) were identified, and 71 377 deaths due to all causes, 22 219 deaths due to CVD, and 16 388 deaths due to cancer occurred. Compared with participants who were consistently inactive throughout adulthood, participants who maintained the highest amount of LTPA in each age period were at lower risks for all-cause, CVD-related, and cancer-related mortality. For example, compared with participants who were consistently inactive, maintaining higher amounts of LTPA was associated with lower all-cause (hazard ratio [HR], 0.64; 95% CI, 0.60-0.68), CVD-related (HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.53-0.64), and cancer-related (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77-0.97) mortality. Adults who were less active throughout most of the adult life course but increased LTPA in later adulthood (40-61 years of age) also had lower risk for all-cause (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.62-0.68), CVD-related (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.53-0.61), and cancer-related (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.77-0.92) mortality. Maintaining higher LTPA levels and increasing LTPA in later adulthood were associated with comparable low risk of mortality, suggesting that midlife is not too late to start physical activity. Inactive adults may be encouraged to be more active, whereas young adults who are already active may strive to maintain their activity level as they get older.

Can socioeconomic health differences be explained by physical activity at work and during leisure time? Rationale and protocol of the active worker individual participant meta-analysis

IntroductionSocioeconomic health differences have often been described, but remain insufficiently understood. Recent evidence suggests that workers who are high (compared with low) physically active at work are less healthy. Moreover,...

Associations of leisure-time physical activity with cardiovascular mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 44 prospective cohort studies

Many cohort studies within the past few decades have shown the protective effect of leisure-time physical activity on cardiovascular mortality. To summarise the evidence from prospective cohort studies on the relationship between the amount of leisure-time physical activity and the risk of cardiovascular mortality, a dose-response meta-analysis was conducted in this study. Electronic databases, including PubMed and Embase databases, Scopus and Cochrane Library, were systemically retrieved by two investigators from inception to 14 June 2018 for related studies. The maximum adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted, and a dose-response analysis was conducted using the restricted cubic splines. Finally, a total of 44 studies comprising 1,584,181 participants was enrolled into this meta-analysis. The HRs of cardiovascular mortality for moderate and high leisure-time physical activity were 0.77 (95% CI 0.74-0.81) and 0.73 (95% CI 0.69-0.77), respectively. Among these 44 studies, 19 were eligible for the dose-response meta-analysis, which suggested a linear negative correlation of leisure-time physical activity with cardiovascular mortality, regardless of age, gender and the presence of underlying cardiovascular disease or not. Leisure-time physical activity shows a linear negative correlation with the risk of cardiovascular mortality regardless of age, gender and the presence of cardiovascular disease or not. However, the cardiovascular benefits of leisure-time physical activity is decreased for those aged over 65 years or those with a history of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, leisure-time physical activity displays more cardiovascular benefits to people followed up for over 10 years than to those followed up for less than 10 years. Besides, high-intensity leisure-time physical activity has more obvious cardiovascular benefits than those of moderate-intensity leisure-time physical activity.

Social-Demographic Correlates of Leisure-Time Physical Activities: a Secondary Data Analysis of a Large-Scale Survey in the U.S.

Although the health benefits of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) are well documented, it has been known that social minority groups (e.g., women, racial/ethnic minority, people with disabilities) tend to engage in LTPA less than their majority counterparts. The literature on LTPA participation among socially diverse groups is limited in that (a) it has not examined a comprehensive list of socio-demographic variables simultaneously and (b) different types of LTPA (e.g., running vs. gym exercise vs. outdoor recreation) have been largely ignored. To address these gaps, we conducted a secondary analysis of data from the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), which is a large-scale, nationally representative survey of U.S. residents in all 50 states (N = 441,496). Our multiple regression predicting LTPA level by various socio-demographic variables (i.e., gender, age, race/ethnicity, socio-economic status, disability, and sexuality) revealed that most of these variables were significantly associated with the outcome variable. In particular, disability and education’s effects appeared stronger than other variables’ influences. A separate, multinomial regression analysis predicting types of LTPA suggested that the same set of socio-demographic variables had differing patterns of effects on various types of LTPA. We discussed these findings in light of leisure constraints theory.

Leisure-time Physical Activity Throughout Adulthood

PURPOSE: Limited evidence documents the benefits of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) throughout adulthood on mortality risk. This study modelled LTPA patterns from adolescence into middle-age and their associations with all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality. METHODS: In 1994-96, 315,059 adults (58% males) aged 50-71 yrs enrolled in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health study retrospectively described their participation in LTPA (hours/week) for approximate ages 15, 25, 35 yrs, and 50 yrs. LTPA patterns over these age-periods were modelled using semi-parametric group-based mixture models and 10 LTPA patterns throughout adulthood were identified. Participants were followed for mortality through 2011. Associations between life-course LTPA patterns and mortality were modelled using Cox proportional hazard models [(Hazard Ratios (HR) and 95% CI)] adjusting for age, sex, race, education, smoking, body mass index, and diet. The least active LTPA pattern (0 hrs/wk throughout all age-periods) was used as the referent group. RESULTS: Over 13.6 yrs of follow-up. a total of 71,377 deaths from all-causes, 22,219 deaths from CVD, and 16,388 deaths from cancer occurred. Compared to those who were consistently inactive throughout adulthood, participants who maintained LTPA participation over time were at lower risk for all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality. For example, maintaining 7+ hrs/wk resulted in risk reduction of 29% for all-cause [HR: 0.71 (0.68, 0.73)], 24% for CVD [HR: 0.66 (0.62, 0.70)], and 10% for cancer mortality [HR: 0.90 (0.83, 0.97)]. Adults who were inactive at ages 15-35 (~1hr/week) but increased LTPA over time also had consistent reductions in risk for all-cause [HR: 0.65 (0.62, 0.68)], CVD [HR: 0.57 (0.53, 0.61)], and cancer mortality [HR: 0.84 (0.77, 0.92)]. In contrast, adults who reduced LTPA in adulthood had the lowest mortality benefits for all- cause and CVD mortality, and no benefits for cancer mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Participants who maintained or increased LTPA by their ~50’s had the lowest risk for mortality, independent of previous LTPA. LTPA during midlife (i.e., ~50yrs) rather than LTPA early in adulthood (i.e., 15’s through 35’s) seems to be most important for both all- and cause-specific mortality.

A longitudinal examination of leisure time physical activity following amputation in England

ObjectivesThere is a significant body of research on leisure time physical activity (LTPA) among people with physical disabilities. Yet, while this data set has been informative in identifying the social-relational factors that affect LTPA across disability groups, there is now a demand for context- and population-specific studies to provide a more nuanced understanding to better inform decision-makers and service-providers. This original study is the first to examine the barriers, facilitators, and benefits of LTPA among people with an amputation in England. MethodsMulti-method, longitudinal research design (from April 2014 to May 2016). Participants were recruited using maximum-variation and criterion-based purposeful sampling. Data collection included two focus groups (>4hrs), fieldwork observations (>225hrs), and 44 formal interviews (>50hrs). Practical strategies used to support or evidence the study's quality in terms of its credibility, rigour, generalizability, and significance included author self-reflexivity, member reflections from participants, and external reflections with key stakeholders before seeking publication. This large qualitative dataset was rigorously analysed using inductive thematic analysis. ResultsTen themes were identified: personal wellbeing, social wellbeing, physical wellbeing, inspiration, self-presentation, experience of LTPA, knowledge of LTPA, environment, organisational functioning, and miscellaneous. ConclusionsThis article makes a novel and significant contribution to research by revealing the dynamic and relational nature of barriers, facilitators, and benefits. Practical implications for LTPA policies and practices are considered through a social ecological lens (i.e., intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community, and policy).

Health-related quality of life, sense of coherence and leisure-time physical activity in women after an acute myocardial infarction.

To examine the relationship between leisure-time physical activity, health-related quality of life and sense of coherence in women after an acute myocardial infarction, and further to investigate whether these aspects were associated with age. Physical activity and health-related quality of life are vital aspects for patients after an acute myocardial infarction. Cross-sectional. All eligible women diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction received a postal questionnaire two to three months after hospital discharge, and 142 women were included. To measure health-related quality of life and sense of coherence, The MacNew Heart disease questionnaire and the Sense of coherence-13 scale was used. Respondents reporting at least one type of physical activity had significantly higher health-related quality of life as compared to respondents reporting no kind of physical activity. Respondents reporting physical activity for at least 30minutes twice a week had significantly higher health-related quality of life scores than respondents being active less than twice a week. A weak association was found between physical activity level and sense of coherence. Reduction in physical activity after the acute myocardial infarction was associated with reduced health-related quality of life and sense of coherence. Sense of coherence was significantly associated with age, as respondents 75years and older had significantly higher scores than respondents younger than 75years. Physical activity, even at a low level, is significantly associated with increased health-related quality of life and to some extent to sense of coherence. Tailoring women after an acute myocardial infarction about lifestyle changes must include knowledge about the benefits of leisure-time physical activity, and that even a small amount of activity is associated with a better health-related quality of life. The utmost important assignment is to motivate the women for regular physical activity in their leisure-time. Older women need special attention.

Effects of Social Support About Physical Activity on Social Networking Sites: Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior

Despite the physical and mental health benefits of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), only about half of college students participate in the recommended amount of LTPA. While college students are avid users of social network sites (SNSs), whether SNSs would be an effective channel for promoting LTPA through peer social support is unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of social support from students’ contacts on SNSs on their intention to participate in LTPA, applying the Theory of Planned Behavior. Participants were recruited through a mass e-mail sent to undergraduate students at a large Midwestern university in fall 2011. In total, 439 surveys were analyzed. Descriptive analyses and analysis for mediating effects were conducted. Social support about LTPA from contacts on SNSs has indirect effect on intention through affective attitude, instrumental attitude, and perceived behavioral control (PBC). The results indicate that social support about LTPA from contacts on SNSs might not be effective to change students’ intention unless attitudes and PBC are changed. Future interventions aiming to promote students’ intention to participate in LTPA by increasing support from contacts on SNSs should increase affective attitude, instrumental attitude, and PBC at the same time.

The Role of Physical Activity in Chronic Kidney Disease in the Presence of Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background/Aims: Although the effect of exercise on health is well established, nephrologists seldom consider physical activity in the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) or CKD in the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM/CKD). The aim of the present study was to analyze the benefits of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) in DM/CKD. Methods: A total of 445,075 adult participants who underwent a medical screening program between 1996 and 2008 were prospectively recruited. Of these, 7,863 DM/CKD subjects were identified. Each participant was categorized according to LTPA level (a product of duration and intensity) as inactive, low-active or fully active. Hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality risk were calculated. Results: Fully active LTPA was associated with lower odds of DM/CKD development and lower risk of mortality among patients with DM/CKD in a dose-response relationship. The fully active and low-active DM/CKD groups had a 26% (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.66-0.85) and 13% (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.75-1.01) lower risk of all-cause mortality, respectively, in comparison to the inactive group. The association of exercise with mortality rate reduction was more pronounced among DM/CKD subjects (mortality rate reduction of 446.5 per 100,000 person-years) than among subjects with diabetes alone or CKD alone. Conclusion: Exercise, at the recommended level or more, is associated not only with lower odds of DM/CKD but also with a 26% lower mortality risk among DM/CKD patients. Nephrologists should encourage all DM/CKD subjects to be physically active.

Lifestyle Factors, Medication Use and Risk for Ischaemic Heart Disease Hospitalisation: A Longitudinal Population-Based Study

BackgroundLifestyle factors have been implicated in ischaemic heart disease (IHD) development however a limited number of longitudinal studies report results stratified by cardio-protective medication use.PurposeThis study investigated the influence of self-reported lifestyle factors on hospitalisation for IHD, stratified by blood pressure and/or lipid-lowering therapy.MethodsA population-based cohort of 14,890 participants aged 45+ years and IHD-free was identified from the Western Australian Health and wellbeing Surveillance System (2004 to 2010 inclusive), and linked with hospital administrative data. Adjusted hazard ratios for future IHD-hospitalisation were estimated using Cox regression.ResultsCurrent smokers remained at higher risk for IHD-hospitalisation (adjusted HR=1.57; 95% CI: 1.22-2.03) after adjustment for medication use, as did those considered overweight (BMI=25-29 kg/m2; adjusted HR=1.28; 95% CI: 1.04-1.57) or obese (BMI of ≥30kg/m2; adjusted HR=1.31; 95% CI: 1.03-1.66). Weekly leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) of 150 minutes or more and daily intake of 3 or more fruit/vegetable servings reduced risk by 21% (95% CI: 0.64-0.97) and 26% (95% CI: 0.58-0.96) respectively. Benefits of LTPA appeared greatest in those on blood pressure lowering medication (adjusted HR=0.50; 95% CI: 0.31-0.82 [for LTPA<150 mins], adjusted HR=0.64; 95% CI: 0.42-0.96 [for LTPA>=150 mins]). IHD risk in smokers was most pronounced in those taking neither medication (adjusted HR=2.00; 95% CI: 1.41-2.83).ConclusionThis study confirms the contribution of previously reported lifestyle factors towards IHD hospitalisation, even after adjustment for antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medication use. Medication stratified results suggest that IHD risks related to LTPA and smoking may differ according to medication use.

Development of an evidence-informed leisure time physical activity resource for adults with spinal cord injury: the SCI Get Fit Toolkit

To systematically develop an evidence-informed leisure time physical activity (LTPA) resource for adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Canada. The Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II protocol was used to develop a toolkit to teach and encourage adults with SCI how to make smart and informed choices about being physically active. A multidisciplinary expert panel appraised the evidence and generated specific recommendations for the content of the toolkit. Pilot testing was conducted to refine the toolkit's presentation. Recommendations emanating from the consultation process were that the toolkit be a brief, evidence-based resource that contains images of adults with tetraplegia and paraplegia, and links to more detailed online information. The content of the toolkit should include the physical activity guidelines (PAGs) for adults with SCI, activities tailored to manual and power chair users, the benefits of LTPA, and strategies to overcome common LTPA barriers for adults with SCI. The inclusion of action plans and safety tips was also recommended. These recommendations have resulted in the development of an evidence-informed LTPA resource to assist adults with SCI in meeting the PAGs. This toolkit will have important implications for consumers, health care professionals and policy makers for encouraging LTPA in the SCI community.

Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Leisure-Time Physical Activity During Pregnancy in Previously Inactive and Active Women

This study compared perceived benefits and barriers to leisure-time physical activity during pregnancy among women who were insufficiently active or inactive before pregnancy. Eighty-two pregnant women completed questionnaires assessing leisure-time physical activity benefits/barriers, exercise self-efficacy, social support, depressed mood, pre-pregnancy and current physical activity and fatigue. Multivariable regression analyses identified factors associated with exercise benefits/barriers for the two pre-pregnancy leisure-time physical activity groups. Both pre-pregnancy leisure-time physical activity groups reported more benefits than barriers to exercise during pregnancy. Previously inactive women reported fewer perceived benefits and greater perceived barriers to leisure-time physical activity during pregnancy. Higher self-efficacy for exercise during pregnancy was significantly associated with greater benefits of leisure-time physical activity during pregnancy for both groups. Less family support for exercise and lower self-efficacy for exercise were significantly related to greater leisure-time physical activity barriers during pregnancy for previously inactive women. Lower self-efficacy for exercise, higher depressed mood scores, and younger age were associated with greater leisure-time physical activity barriers for active women. Findings suggest that the intensities of perceived leisure-time physical activity benefits and barriers during pregnancy differ for women, depending on their pre-pregnancy leisure-time physical activity status. Consideration of pre-pregnancy leisure-time physical activity status may thus be important when tailoring strategies to overcome barriers to promote initiation and maintenance of physical activity during pregnancy.

Minimum amount of physical activity for reduced mortality and extended life expectancy: a prospective cohort study

The health benefits of leisure-time physical activity are well known, but whether less exercise than the recommended 150 min a week can have life expectancy benefits is unclear. We assessed the health benefits of a range of volumes of physical activity in a Taiwanese population. In this prospective cohort study, 416,175 individuals (199,265 men and 216,910 women) participated in a standard medical screening programme in Taiwan between 1996 and 2008, with an average follow-up of 8·05 years (SD 4·21). On the basis of the amount of weekly exercise indicated in a self-administered questionnaire, participants were placed into one of five categories of exercise volumes: inactive, or low, medium, high, or very high activity. We calculated hazard ratios (HR) for mortality risks for every group compared with the inactive group, and calculated life expectancy for every group. Compared with individuals in the inactive group, those in the low-volume activity group, who exercised for an average of 92 min per week (95% CI 71-112) or 15 min a day (SD 1·8), had a 14% reduced risk of all-cause mortality (0·86, 0·81-0·91), and had a 3 year longer life expectancy. Every additional 15 min of daily exercise beyond the minimum amount of 15 min a day further reduced all-cause mortality by 4% (95% CI 2·5-7·0) and all-cancer mortality by 1% (0·3-4·5). These benefits were applicable to all age groups and both sexes, and to those with cardiovascular disease risks. Individuals who were inactive had a 17% (HR 1·17, 95% CI 1·10-1·24) increased risk of mortality compared with individuals in the low-volume group. 15 min a day or 90 min a week of moderate-intensity exercise might be of benefit, even for individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease. Taiwan Department of Health Clinical Trial and Research Center of Excellence and National Health Research Institutes.

Self-rated health according to amount, intensity and duration of leisure time physical activity

Objective To examine the dose–response relationship between leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and self-rated health. Methods A survey ( n = 18,058) representative of the population aged 18–64 years of Madrid (Spain) conducted between 2000 and 2008. A questionnaire on the frequency and duration of numerous activities was used to assess the total amount, the intensity, and the duration of LTPA. Self-rated health was classified as optimal or sub-optimal (fair/bad/very bad). Analyses were performed using logistic regression. Results Compared with no LTPA, active people in the lowest quintile for total amount of LTPA showed an odds ratio (OR) of sub-optimal health of 0.69; a linear dose–response relationship ( p < 0.001) was observed, with the OR gradually decreasing to 0.49 in the highest quintile of LTPA. There was an inverse gradient for LTPA intensity adjusted for energy expenditure, so that the OR of sub-optimal health was 0.69 for light LTPA, 0.60 for moderate, and 0.48 for vigorous ( p linear trend < 0.001). For the same duration, the frequency of optimal health increases with the intensity of LTPA. Conclusions The total amount of LTPA shows a graded and continuous association with better self-rated health. The benefits of LTPA on self-rated health increase with the intensity of the activity.

Physical activity, coronary heart disease, and inflammatory response

Background We sought to estimate the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) associated with leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and work-related physical strain (WRPS) after careful adjustment for other established risk factors and to elucidate the association of physical activity with various hemostatic and inflammatory markers. Methods Case-control study including 312 patients aged 40 to 68 years with stable CHD (angiographically confirmed) and 479 age- and sex-matched controls. Main outcome measures were odds ratio for CHD associated with LTPA and WRPS and associations of physical activity with inflammatory and other biochemical markers after adjustment for covariates. Results LTPA showed a clear inverse association with risk of CHD. Compared with subjects who reported no summer LTPA, the odds ratio for CHD was 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47-1.53) in the category 2 h/wk, after full adjustment for covariates. Similar results were obtained for winter LTPA. By contrast, there was a strong positive association between WRPS and risk of CHD. Furthermore, levels of C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, interleukin 6, and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 were inversely and independently associated with LTPA, but not with WRPS. Conclusions This study provides further evidence that LTPA, but not WRPS, is associated with a decreased risk of CHD, effective at even moderate levels. It further demonstrates that LTPA is associated with beneficial effects on the inflammatory response. This may represent one mechanism to explain the benefits of LTPA on coronary risk.