Degree Of Physical Activity Research Articles

Situación sociodemográfica y formativa de los entrenadores personales en la Comunidad Valenciana (Sociodemographic status and training of personal trainers in Region of Valencia)

En este estudio se describe el género, edad y la formación inicial y permanente de las personas que trabajan en el entrenamiento personal en la Comunidad Valenciana. La metodología seguida en esta investigación es cuantitativa de corte descriptivo, a través de encuesta seccional, aplicada a una muestra de personas que trabajan en la función laboral de entrenamiento personal en la Comunidad Valenciana. La encuesta se ha llevado a cabo mediante entrevista personal estandarizada por medio de cuestionario. Este estudio se enmarca dentro de una investigación más amplia cuyo tamaño de la muestra ha sido de 600 personas que trabajaban en funciones laborales de actividad física y deporte en la Comunidad Valenciana de las cuales 64 personas trabajan como entrenador personal. En este estudio se obtiene que la mayoría de las personas que trabajan en entrenamiento personal son hombres y menores de 30 años. Asimismo, más de la mitad de estas personas no posee ninguno de los diferentes tipos de titulaciones de actividad física y deporte. En cuanto a la formación permanente, la mayoría han realizado cursos o postgrados en los últimos cuatro años.Palabras clave: Deporte, entrenador personal, profesión, empleo, formación, género, edad.Abstract: This study describes the sociodemographic profile and training of people working in personal training in Region of Valencia. The methodology used is quantitative descriptive cutting, where the procedures to be followed are those of the survey. There have been interviews and through standardized questionnaire to 600 persons working in job roles of physical activity and sport of which 64 people work as a personal trainer. In this study we find that mostly people working in personal training are male and under 30 years. Also, the vast majority of people working in personal training do not have degree of physical activity and sport, also most have a degree to which their training is not are trained and qualified to work in personal training.Key words: Sport, personal trainer, profession, employment, training, Gender, Age.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity in union territory of Dadra Nagar and Haveli children and adolescents: Impact of diet, physical activity, and socioeconomic status

Aim: The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of obesity and overweight in the children and adolescents and association of different factors such as dietary intake, physical activity, duration of sleep, and socioeconomic status with obesity. Methods: Study Design - It was a cross-sectional randomized epidemiological study among school children and adolescent in urban and rural areas of the Union Territory of Dadra Nagar and Haveli (U.T. of D.N.H), India in the year 2013–2014. Informed consent: The consent was taken from the Education Department of U.T. of D.N.H and the Head of the Institute before their inclusion in the study. Participants: Consenting male and female children and adolescents were included in the study. Questionnaire: Five-minute long interviews were conducted with each student involved in the study. A pilot questionnaire was developed and it was divided in demographic information, anthropometry information, physical activity, dietary intake, and socioeconomic status. Results: In this study, the prevalence of obesity and overweight was found to between 3.82% and 7.14%, respectively. The combined prevalence of overweight and obese children was slightly high in the age-group of adolescents (11.56%) as compared to children (10.66%). According to waist circumference (WC) analysis, 5.99% of male and 11.3% of female subjects are abdominally obese. Conclusion: The prevalence of childhood obesity in U.T. of D.N.H. is not very high as compared to other reports from different regions of the country, but the prevalence of underweight is high in U.T. of D.N.H. children and adolescents. The low degrees of physical activity and higher sedentary activity, consuming high-calorie food, less sleep duration, higher socioeconomic status are associated with a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity.

Hepatology highlights

Hepatology highlights

Physical activity affects plasma coenzyme Q10 levels differently in young and old humans

Coenzyme Q (Q) is a key lipidic compound for cell bioenergetics and membrane antioxidant activities. It has been shown that also has a central role in the prevention of oxidation of plasma lipoproteins. Q has been associated with the prevention of cholesterol oxidation and several aging-related diseases. However, to date no clear data on the levels of plasma Q during aging are available. We have measured the levels of plasmatic Q10 and cholesterol in young and old individuals showing different degrees of physical activity. Our results indicate that plasma Q10 levels in old people are higher that the levels found in young people. Our analysis also indicates that there is no a relationship between the degree of physical activity and Q10 levels when the general population is studied. However, very interestingly, we have found a different tendency between Q10 levels and physical activity depending on the age of individuals. In young people, higher activity correlates with lower Q10 levels in plasma whereas in older adults this ratio changes and higher activity is related to higher plasma Q10 levels and higher Q10/Chol ratios. Higher Q10 levels in plasma are related to lower lipoperoxidation and oxidized LDL levels in elderly people. Our results highlight the importance of life habits in the analysis of Q10 in plasma and indicate that the practice of physical activity at old age can improve antioxidant capacity in plasma and help to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Physical activity, smoking and mortality among men who participated in the Oslo studies of 1972 and 2000

Few Norwegian data are available on the importance of physical activity with regard to mortality. Our objective was to study mortality in light of leisure time physical activity and smoking. Men born in the period 1923-1932 were included in the Oslo Study in 1972-1973 and then investigated again in 2000. A total of 5738 men were included in the analyses. Physical activity was registered as self-reported number of hours at low and high intensity, as well by the Gothenburg question on the degree of leisure activity (sedentary, low, moderate, high). Cox regression analysis was used for statistical computation. After 12 years, men who reported a moderate amount of activity (approximately 30 minutes per day six times per week of low or high activity) in the year 2000 had a 40% lower mortality rate than the physically inactive (the reference group). A change in activity level in older age was independently associated with a risk of death. The Gothenburg question on amount of activity gave the same predictive information value as smoking. Our data indicate that there is a dose-response relationship between the degree of physical activity and early death. An increase in activity was just as strongly associated with reduced mortality as quitting smoking. Based on these data, physical activity should be recommended as a daily habit.

Disc degeneration and chronic low back pain: an association which becomes nonsignificant when endplate changes and disc contour are taken into account

The objective of this study was to assess the association between severe disc degeneration (DD) and low back pain (LBP). A case-control study was conducted with 304 subjects, aged 35-50, recruited in routine clinical practice across six hospitals; 240 cases (chronic LBP patients with a median pain duration of 46months) and 64 controls (asymptomatic subjects without any lifetime history of significant LBP). The following variables were assessed once, using previously validated methods: gender, age, body mass index (BMI), lifetime smoking exposure, degree of physical activity, severity of LBP, disability, and findings on magnetic resonance (MRI) (disc degeneration, Modic changes (MC), disc protrusion/hernia, annular tears, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis). Radiologists who interpreted MRI were blinded to the subjects' characteristics. A multivariate logistic regression model assessed the association between severe DD and chronic LBP, adjusting for gender, age, BMI, physical activity, MC, disc protrusion/hernia, and spinal stenosis. Severe DD at ≥1 level was found in 46.9% of the controls and 65.8% of the cases. Crude odds ratio (95% CI), for suffering chronic LBP when having severe DD, was 2.06 (1.05; 4.06). After adjusting for "MC" and "disc protrusion/hernia," it was 1.81 (0.81; 4.05). The association between severe DD and LBP ceases to be significant when adjusted for MC and disc protrusion/hernia. These results do not support that DD as a major cause of chronic LBP.

Mechanical stress and Wnt signal

Osteocytes sense mechanical stress and specifically express sclerostin. Sclerostin suppresses osteoblastic function by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The disruption of Sost gene encoding sclerostin causes resistance to the reduction of bone volume and bone formation after skeletal unloading. Transgenic mice with high expression of Sost gene show no increase in bone formation after skeletal loading. Sost gene is essential for alteration of bone formation after mechanical stress. In humans, high degree of physical activity is associated with low concentration of serum sclerostin, while immobilization is associated with high concentration of serum sclerostin. Concentration of serum sclerostin well correlates with bone turnover markers.

Self-care behaviour, treatment satisfaction and quality of life in people on intensive insulin treatment

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to identify self-care behaviours and their relationships with treatment satisfaction and quality of life in people attending a structured educational programme for patients on intensive insulin therapy. A sample of 104 people with diabetes (62 with type-1; 42 with type 2) was recruited from the National Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetology in Ľubochňa over six months. The majority of respondents were women (62.5%); had multiple daily injections of insulin (73%); diabetic late complications (68%) and had not previously participated in the structured educational programmes in the specialized diabetes centre (64.4%). Self-management behaviour data were collected by means of structured interviews with patients as well as during clinic visits. For measuring quality of life, the Audit Diabetes Dependent Quality of Life questionnaire and for measuring satisfaction with their treatment regimen, the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status version was used. General satisfaction with the treatment was significantly higher in people with diabetes, who implemented regular self-monitoring of the concentration of glucose in plasma (SMPG). We also demonstrated low adherence in the frequency of SMPG. 17% of respondents in our study performed daily SMPG. However, 52% respondents reported adaptation of insulin dosage in relation to factors such as carbohydrate intake, glycaemia values or degree of physical activity. Differences in quality of life due to performing the regular self-monitoring of glycaemia, adjustments of insulin doses in specific situations as well as carbohydrate counting were not significant. Performing the regular self-monitoring of glycaemia was associated only with higher treatment satisfaction. No significant improvement in quality of life was seen in people performing the regular self-monitoring of glycaemia, adjustments of insulin doses in specific situations or carbohydrate counting.

ACTIVITY RELATED DIFFERENCES IN THE THICKNESS OF PLANTAR FASCIA OF SOME OCCUPATIONAL GROUPS IN NIGERIA: AN ULTRASOUND BASED STUDY

ABSTRACT Background: The degree of physical activity induces strain and stress on the plantar fascia of the foot and the effect of these forces may lead to thickening of the plantar fascia. Methods: The effect of occupation-related physical activity on the thickness of the plantar aponeurosis (PAT) was assessed among four classes of occupation- Labourers/farmers, Dancers, Athletes and an inactive class (control/normal group). Results: Results show that the inactive (control group) had the least value for PAT ( 3.21±0.42 mm ). The dancers and labourers/farmers had higher values than the control though not significant. The value for athletes was significantly higher than the control (P=0.007). Conclusion: Our findings have conclusively established that occupation-related prolonged physical activity induces thickening of the plantar aponeurosis. Interventions should be initiated to avoid the setting in of degenerating conditions that may lead to plantar fasciitis.

Exercise and COPD: Therapeutic Responses, Disease-Related Outcomes, and Activity-Promotion Strategies

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) reduces patients' exercise capacities and their abilities to perform daily physical activities, thereby increasing morbidity and mortality rates. The cycle of dyspnea, deconditioning, and declining physical activity not only accelerates the progression of COPD but also increases the risk for developing or aggravating metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities also limit physical function, and their disabling effects in combination with COPD may be greater than the effects of each disease alone. The impact of COPD and its treatment on the ability to exercise, and the degree of physical activity in daily life, can be measured by field-based tests (eg, the 6-minute walk test or incremental and endurance shuttle-walk test), laboratory-based tests (eg, incremental or constant work-rate treadmill and cycle-ergometer tests), and physical activity assessments (eg, questionnaires and accelerometers). Walking tests increase oxygen consumption and desaturation in patients with COPD more than cycling tests with similar work-rate profiles and may more closely resemble patients' normal activities. Despite the questionable relevance of exercise testing to patients' daily functionality, exercise parameters remain important predictors of survival in patients with COPD. Treatment of COPD (pharmacotherapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, or both) can increase exercise capacity and physical activity in daily life, which potentially slows the decline of lung function, reduces the frequencies of exacerbations and hospitalizations, decreases mortality, slows the progression of comorbidities, improves health-related quality of life, and increases the activity reserve for routine function. This article examines the interactions of reduced physical activity and decreased exercise capacity with the progression of COPD, comorbidities, and mortality. The article also describes the available exercise tests for patients with COPD and reviews the evidence indicating that treating COPD improves exercise capacity. Notably, it appears that even mild COPD reduces exercise capacity and daily physical activity, indicating the need for early intervention.

Grau de atividade física e síndrome metabólica: um estudo transversal com indígenas Khisêdjê do Parque Indígena do Xingu, Brasil

This study aimed to verify the existence of an association between degree of physical activity and presence of metabolic syndrome in the Khisêdjê indigenous group. The authors evaluated 170 individuals 20 years or older, based on demographic data, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The data were analyzed with the chi-square test (p < 0.05), crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (point and 95% confidence intervals), and Student's t-test. Satisfactory results were observed in relation to cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, bending of arms and trunk, and measurement of physical activity according to the number of steps/day. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 27.8% and was higher in women, the 39-49-year and ≥ 50-year age groups, and in individuals with lower performance on the cardiorespiratory endurance test, horizontal impulse, and number of steps/day. The results indicate the need for greater surveillance in the control and prevention of risk factors for metabolic syndrome.

Activity related differences in the thickness of achilles tendon among four different occupational groups in Nigeria: an ultrasound based study

Background: The degree of physical activity may induce strain and stress on the Achilles tendon because of its role in the elastic mechanics of gait. Material &amp;Methods: The study was carried out to determine the effect of occupation-related physical activity on the thickness of the Achilles tendon. The effect of occupation- related physical activity on the thickness of the Achilles tendon in three phases (ATT at Normal phase, ATT at Dorsiflexed phase and ATT at Plantarflexed phase) was assessed, by ultrasound, among four classes of occupations- Labourers/farmers, Dancers, Athletes and a less active class (control group). Results: Results show that the less active (control group) had the least value for ATT (normal) (3.31±0.50mm) being almost at par with those of the dancers. The athletes and labourers/farmers had significantly higher values than the control (P=0.000 and 0.007 respectively). Conclusion: Our findings have conclusively established that occupation-related prolonged physical activity induces thickening of the Achilles tendon. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i2.9666 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 11 No. 02 April 2012: 103-111

The burden of physical inactivity in chronic kidney disease: is there an exit strategy?

Physical inactivity among adults with chronic kidneydisease (CKD), particularly among patients undergoinghaemodialysis (HD), is a long-standing clinical problemand a scarcely investigated issue. Although purely descrip-tive, the study by Avesani et al. [1] published in this issueof Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation is a worthwhilecontribution to this important clinical research area. Theauthors assessed the number of footsteps per day, theactivity-related energy expenditure and the physical activ-ity level in HD patients using a device that objectivelymonitors the patients’ activity. The daily number of foot-steps (<5000/day) and the calculated parameters in patientsenrolled into this study are in line with a sedentary condi-tion and physical activity was particularly low during thedialysis day. These findings confirm the low degree ofphysical activity previously reported by other investigatorsusing pedometers [2, 3] or patient self-reports [4]. Thestudy [1] which has the merit of collecting data from differ-ent centres and countries also confirms findings in an in-ternational survey performed between 1996 and 2004 [4].Thus, a low degree of physical activity in HD patients is acommon and persistent burden in various countries. Theenrolment of CKD patients in exercise programmes is achallenging undertaking at all CKD stages, from the earlystages to chronic kidney failure [5]. A recent Cochranesystematic review [6] underlined the potential benefits ofregular exercise in all CKD and kidney transplant patientsby describing the positive effects of proper physical trainingof the cardiovascular system, health-related quality oflife, walking capacity and aerobic fitness. Aerobic im-provements can be achieved after just a few months ofregular training performed at low or high intensity and afterboth supervised and home-based exercise programmes.However, higher effectiveness is observed for high inten-sity and supervised interventions [6]. Additional relevantbenefits of exercise therapy, especially in relation to vas-cular health, have been described in recent years. Theseeffects include the improvement of vascular tone and bloodpressure regulation, angiogenesis and vascular regenerationby the up-regulation of endothelial nitric oxide productionand antioxidant enzymes [7]. Conversely, as in other chronicdiseases, a sedentary lifestyle leads to progressive decondi-tioning in CKD patients, a phenomenon characterized bydecreased stroke volume, reduced muscle mass with pooroxygen utilization and insufficient control of metabolic riskfactors, impaired control of peripheral circulation, endothe-lial dysfunction and hypertension [8]. Chronic physicalinactivity is a predictor for high risk of unfavourable cardi-ovascular outcomes and higher mortality rate and theserelationshipsheldtrueinpatientswithperipheralarterialdisease [9] and in dialysis patients [ 4, 10]. Prevention of thefunctional decline associated with a sedentary lifestyle andrelief from severe deconditioning attributable to low mobi-lity is of paramount importance in CKD patients. Adequate

Laparoscopic Diaphragmatic Plication in Patients with Unilateral Diaphragm Paralysis with Thoracoscopic Verification

Diaphragm eventration or paralysis causes elevation of the ipsilateral diaphragm. Some patients have symptoms. The most common symptom is dyspnea. In symptomatic patients with unilateral diaphragm paralysis and dyspnea disproportionate to the degree of physical activity, diaphragm plication is the treatment of choice to relieve dyspnea. We report on our experience with laparoscopic plication of a paralysed hemidiaphragm. The laparoscopic approach is an attractive surgical alternative for the treatment of phrenic nerve palsy. This technique combines the advantage of an excellent field of vision during surgery with a fast postoperative recovery and early discharge from hospital. In accordance to recent literature, we have successfully applied the laparoscopic approach to treat our patients who suffered from a unilateral paralysis of the diaphragm. Preoperative symptoms of exertional dyspnea and orthopnea were significantly reduced.

Physical Activity Patterns in Patients in Different Stages of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

It has previously been suggested that exercise capacity is decreased in COPD and that it is associated with degree of disease. The reduced exercise capacity may plausibly be due to low levels of physical activity in this patient group. The aim of the present study was to assess exercise capacity and physical activity in different stages of COPD and to examine the associations between exercise capacity, pulmonary function and degree of physical activity. A total of 44 COPD patients and 17 healthy subjects participated in the study. Exercise capacity was assessed using the 6-minute walking test and physical activity was assessed using an accelerometer worn all waking hours during 7 days. Mean exercise capacity was significantly lower in COPD patients compared with healthy subjects. Mean physical activity level and time spent at least moderately active were significantly lower in patients with moderate and severe COPD compared with healthy subjects while no differences in time spent sedentary were observed between the study groups. Pulmonary function, mean physical activity level and time spent at least moderately physically active were significantly associated with exercise capacity in the patients. We conclude that patients with moderate and severe COPD are less physically active compared with healthy subjects. Furthermore, mean physical activity level and physical activity of at least moderate intensity are positively associated with exercise capacity in COPD, while time spent sedentary is not, which stresses an important role of physical activity on exercise capacity in these patients.

Relation between dietary and circulating lipids in lacto-ovo vegetarians.

As factors that have a positive influence on health and specifically on serum lipids and blood pressure, the nature and composition of vegetarian diets is one of the most speculated issues in nutrition. The aim of the present study was to compare diet, lipid profile and blood pressure levels in Brazilian lacto-ovo vegetarians and non-vegetarians. A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 87 male and female adult volunteers (29 lactoovo vegetarians and 58 non-vegetarians). Two non-vegetarians were selected for each vegetarian (paired for age and gender) in order to enhance the power of the statistical tests. Mean age was 40 (13) years; 58.6% were males. No differences were found regarding nutritional status based on the BMI. This similarity may be explained by the similar energy intake and degrees of physical activity in both groups. Regarding blood pressure, the only difference between groups was systolic arterial pressure, which was higher among the non-vegetarians. Among the intake parameters analysed, only energy intake and the intake of polyunsaturated fat were similar between groups. Mean total cholesterol and LDL were higher among non-vegetarians. Mean serum TG was higher among the vegetarians. The greater consumption of carbohydrates among the vegetarians was reflected in the higher serum triglyceride levels. Although all products of animal origin have a greater amount of protein, fat and saturated fatty acids, the absence of meat from the diet may have accounted for the better lipid profile among the lacto-ovo vegetarians may also stem from the high intake of fibre and antioxidants.

Relación entre lípidos dietéticos y circulantes en ovolactovegerarianos

Introduction: As factors that have a positive influence on health and specifically on serum lipids and blood pressure, the nature and composition of vegetarian diets is one of the most speculated issues in nutrition. Aims: The aim of the present study was to compare diet, lipid profile and blood pressure levels in Brazilian lacto-ovo vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 87 male and female adult volunteers (29 lacto-ovo vegetarians and 58 non-vegetarians). Two non-vegetarians were selected for each vegetarian (paired for age and gender) in order to enhance the power of the statistical tests. Mean age was 40 (13) years; 58.6% were males. Results: No differences were found regarding nutritional status based on the BMI. This similarity may be explained by the similar energy intake and degrees of physical activity in both groups. Regarding blood pressure, the only difference between groups was systolic arterial pressure, which was higher among the non-vegetarians. Among the intake parameters analysed, only energy intake and the intake of polyunsaturated fat were similar between groups. Mean total cholesterol and LDL were higher among non-vegetarians. Mean serum TG was higher among the vegetarians. The greater consumption of carbohydrates among the vegetarians was reflected in the higher serum triglyceride levels. Conclusions: Although all products of animal origin have a greater amount of protein, fat and saturated fatty acids, the absence of meat from the diet may have accounted for the better lipid profile among the lacto-ovo vegetarians may also stem from the high intake of fibre and antioxidants.

Physical Activity, High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, and Total and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVEPhysical activity reduces high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and total mortality in type 2 diabetic patients. However, it is not known whether the effects of physical activity on mortality depend on the levels of hs-CRP in patients with type 2 diabetes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSWe prospectively followed-up on 569 type 2 diabetic patients, aged 45–64 years, who were free of CVD at baseline. Participants were stratified according to the level of hs-CRP (<1.0, 1.0–3.0, or >3.0 mg/L) and the degree of physical activity (0–4 metabolic equivalent tasks [METs] or >4 METs). The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the joint association between physical activity and hs-CRP levels and the risk of mortality.RESULTSDuring an 18-year follow-up, 356 patients died, 217 of whom died of CVD. Those who were physically more active had significantly reduced total, CVD and coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality among patients with elevated hs-CRP levels (>3 mg/L). These findings persisted in multivariable analyses. However, in patients with an hs-CRP level <1 mg/L or between 1 and 3 mg/L, there was no statistically significant relationship between physical activity and CVD or CHD mortality.CONCLUSIONSPhysical activity reduces total, CVD, and CHD mortality in type 2 diabetic patients with elevated hs-CRP levels. This suggests that the anti-inflammatory effect of physical activity may counteract increased CVD and CHD morbidity and mortality associated with high CRP levels.

Modic changes and associated features in Southern European chronic low back pain patients

Background context Conflicting reports exist regarding the prevalence of Modic changes among low back pain (LBP) patients and factors associated with their existence. Purpose To assess the prevalence of Modic changes and other findings on lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among Spanish adult chronic LBP patients and the patient characteristics and radiological findings associated with Modic changes. Study design A cross-sectional imaging study among chronic LBP patients. Patient sample Four hundred eighty-seven patients (263 women and 224 men) undergoing lumbar spine MRI examination for chronic LBP. Outcome measures Gender, age, body mass index (BMI), lifetime smoking exposure, degree of physical activity, and image features (disc degeneration, type and extension of Modic changes, disc contour, annular tears, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis). Methods Ten radiologists from six hospitals across six cities in Spain consecutively recruited adult patients in whom lumbar MRI had been prescribed for LBP lasting ≥3 months. Patients' characteristics and imaging findings were assessed through previously validated instruments. A multivariate logistic regression model was developed to assess the features associated with Modic changes. Results Modic changes were found in 81% of the patients. The most common was Type II (51.3%), affecting only the end plate. Variables associated with Type I changes were disc contour abnormalities, spondylolisthesis, and disc degeneration. The same variables were associated with a higher risk of Type II or any type of Modic changes, as well as being male, and having a higher BMI. Conclusions Modic changes are found in 81% (95% confidence interval, 77–85) of adult Spanish patients in whom an MRI is prescribed for chronic LBP. Modic changes are more likely to be found in males with a high BMI, who also show disc contour abnormalities, spondylolisthesis, or disc degeneration.

Factors associated with good self-rated health and quality of life in subjects with self-reported COPD

BackgroundRecent guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) state that COPD is both preventable and treatable. To gain a more positive outlook on the disease it is interesting to investigate factors associated with good, self-rated health and quality of life in subjects with self-reported COPD in the population.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study design, postal survey questionnaires were sent to a stratified, random population in Sweden in 2004 and 2008. The prevalence of subjects (40–84 years) who reported having COPD was 2.1% in 2004 and 2.7% in 2008. Data were analyzed for 1475 subjects. Regression models were used to analyze the associations between health measures (general health status, the General Health Questionnaire, the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire) and influencing factors.ResultsThe most important factor associated with good, self-rated health and quality of life was level of physical activity. Odds ratios for general health varied from 2.4 to 7.7 depending on degree of physical activity, where subjects with the highest physical activity level reported the best health and also highest quality of life. Social support and absence of economic problems almost doubled the odds ratios for better health and quality of life.ConclusionsIn this population-based public health survey, better self-rated health status and quality of life in subjects with self-reported COPD was associated with higher levels of physical activity, social support, and absence of economic problems. The findings indicated that of possible factors that could be influenced, promoting physical activity and strengthening social support are important in maintaining or improving the health and quality of life in subjects with COPD. Severity of the disease as a possible confounding effect should be investigated in future population studies.