Light Leisure Time Physical Activity Research Articles

Eating Patterns, Physical Activities with the Event of Obesity Based on Waist-Hip Circumstances Ratio

Obesity is a chronic health problem caused by various multifactorial factors, such as genetic factors, environmental factors, inappropriate eating behavior and low physical activity. The research aims to analyze the relationship between eating patterns and free time physical activity with the incidence of obesity based on the waist-hip circumference ratio in Jakarta Lantamal III Health Service personnel. The research is a quantitative study with a cross-sectional design. A total of 66 subjects who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to informed consent underwent anthropometric measurements and filled out questionnaires. Dietary pattern data uses the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) form, leisure time physical activity data is taken using the Godin leisure time exercise questionnaire (GLTEQ). The data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test. 54,5% of research subjects were obese, 63,6% of subjects had a good diet, and 56,1% of subjects rarely consumed food sources of fiber. and subjects with light leisure time physical activity category, namely 42,4%. It was found that 83,8% of research subjects who rarely consumed fiber had obese nutritional status and 96,4% of research subjects who had light free time physical activity had obese nutritional status. The results of bivariate statistical analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between the frequency of consumption of food sources of fiber and activity. physical leisure time with the incidence of obesity (p-value<0,05). So, it can be concluded that low fiber consumption and reduced levels of physical activity can increase the incidence of obesity.

How does change in leisure-time physical activity influence the growth trajectory of depressive symptoms in college students?

Objectives: This longitudinal study was designed to examine the growth trajectory of depressive symptoms among early-stage college students and how the development of vigorous, moderate, and light leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) was related to the growth trajectory. Participants: Four hundred and eighty-eight first- and second-year undergraduate students completed measures of depressive symptoms and LTPA at the beginning, middle, and end of a semester. Methods: Latent growth mixture modeling (LGMM) was conducted. Results: On average, students reported mild levels of depressive symptoms with significant variability at the semester start, but the symptoms elevated over time. LGMM identified two trajectories: low/gradual (75.8%) and high/increasing (24.2%). For both groups, neither vigorous nor moderate LTPA development predicted the growth trajectory of depressive symptoms. However, the change of light LTPA was negatively and significantly associated with the growth trajectory. Even when controlling for covariances, increased light LTPA still had a unique effect on buffering depressive symptoms. Conclusion: There is great potential in targeting comprehensive LTPA strategies to improve college students’ mental health and promote an active lifestyle.

Irisin is more strongly associated with leisure-time physical activity than resistin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol are

Background/ObjectivesIrisin is a myokine with a potential role in cardiometabolic diseases, but previous studies have described inconsistencies between serum irisin and physical activity (PA). Our aim was to analyze the relationship between serum irisin and leisure-time PA (LTPA) in a large sample of the general adult population, and secondarily, to evaluate its relationship with two PA-related biomarkers (HDL cholesterol and resistin). MethodsA cross-sectional study was nested in the “CDC of the Canary Islands” cohort participants (n = 3827, 18–75 years, 60% women). PA was collected by administering the Minnesota leisure-time physical activity questionnaire, and physical examination and blood tests (irisin, resistin, HDL-cholesterol) were performed. ResultsIrisin inversely correlated with BMI (p < 0.001 in women) and resistin (p = 0.038 in women, p = 0.004 in men), and directly with HDL cholesterol (p < 0.001in women). There was a direct association of irisin with leisure-time and energy expenditure in light, moderate and vigorous LTPA, which was stronger in women than men. The distribution of leisure-time and PA variables across irisin quintiles showed a significant trend, except for light LPTA in men. Adjusting for age, sex and BMI, the association of irisin with leisure-time and LTPA variables was stronger than the association of these variables with resistin and HDL cholesterol, reaching the strongest association for irisin with the 80th percentile of time of LTPA (OR = 2.57; 95% CI = 2.00–3.31). ConclusionsThere is a direct and independent association between serum irisin levels and LTPA in the general adult population, which is stronger than other biomarkers of PA. Findings on exercise-related irisin support the possibility of irisin health benefits.

Leisure-time physical activity and risk of depression: A dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

Background:There has never been a dose-response meta-analysis of the relationship between physical activity and the risk of depression. Hence, we aimed to explore the dose-response relationship between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and the risk of depression through a meta-analysis to provide a basis for the prevention of depression.Methods:PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched using a computer to collect prospective cohort studies on the relationship between LTPA and depression between January 1997 and July 2021. A dose-response meta-analysis was performed using the Stata 14 software to calculate the combined effect size relative risk (RR and 95% confidence interval CI).Results:Twelve cohort studies included 310,359 subjects who met the inclusion criteria. The categorical dose-response analysis results showed that the risk of incident depression was 27%, 17%, and 8% lower for the light, moderate, and highest dose LTPA participants, respectively (RR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.64–0.82; RR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.78–0.87; RR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86–0.99), compared with the lowest LTPA category. Continuous dose-response analysis showed a nonlinear relationship between LTPA and the risk of incident depression (P = .04). The risk of incident depression was reduced by 3% (RR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95–0.98) for every 5 MET-h/week increase in LTPA < 25 MET-h/week; when LTPA was higher than 25 MET-h/week, a 4% increase in the risk of depression for every 5 MET-h/week increase was observed (RR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02–1.05).Conclusions:There was a nonlinear relationship between LTPA and the risk of incident depression. Moderate and low doses of LTPA were protective factors in preventing the risk of incident depression, while high doses of LTPA may increase the risk of incident depression.

Association between Access to Public Open Spaces and Physical Activity in a Mediterranean Population at High Cardiovascular Risk.

Background: Regular physical activity is an important preventive factor of cardiovascular disease. Proximity and density of public open spaces are important modifying factors on the practice of physical activity. This article explores the cross-sectional relationship between access to public open spaces (POS) and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) in elderly participants at high cardiovascular risk from PREDIMED-Baleares. Method: 428 elderly subjects at high cardiovascular risk, participating in the PREDIMED trial, from Palma de Mallorca (Spain) were assessed using Geographic Information Systems, and access to POS was determined. The quantity and intensity of LTPA was calculated using the Minnesota Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. In order investigate the association between access to POS and LTPA, generalized linear regression models were used. Results: Better access to POS was not consistently associated with total LTPA. Only distance to the nearest park showed a borderline significant positive associated with total LTPA and moderate-vigorous LTPA but was not associated with light LTPA. Conclusions: Although living near POS was not associated to total LTPA, higher levels of moderate-vigorous LTPA were associated to distances to the nearest park. Future work should be conducted on a larger sample size, integrating a longitudinal design, and greater heterogeneity in POS access and introducing objective measures of physical activity.

Multiple approaches to associations of physical activity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet with all-cause mortality in older adults: the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea study.

Although evidence indicates that both physical activity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) reduce the risk of all-cause mortality, a little is known about optimal intensities of physical activity and their combined effect with MedDiet in older adults. We assessed the separate and combined associations of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and MedDiet adherence with all-cause mortality. We prospectively studied 7356 older adults (67 ± 6.2years) at high vascular risk from the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea study. At baseline and yearly thereafter, adherence to the MedDiet and LTPA were measured using validated questionnaires. After 6.8years of follow-up, we documented 498 deaths. Adherence to the MedDiet and total, light, and moderate-to-vigorous LTPA were inversely associated with all-cause mortality (p < 0.01 for all) in multiple adjusted Cox regression models. The adjusted hazard of all-cause mortality was 73% lower (hazard ratio 0.27, 95% confidence interval 0.19-0.38, p < 0.001) for the combined category of highest adherence to the MedDiet (3rd tertile) and highest total LTPA (3rd tertile) compared to lowest adherence to the MedDiet (1st tertile) and lowest total LTPA (1st tertile). Reductions in mortality risk did not meaningfully differ between total, light intensity, and moderate-to-vigorous LTPA. We found that higher levels of LTPA, regardless of intensity (total, light and moderate-to-vigorous), and greater adherence to the MedDiet were associated separately and jointly with lower all-cause mortality. The finding that light LTPA was inversely associated with mortality is relevant because this level of intensity is a feasible option for older adults.

Prognostic impact of physical activity prior to myocardial infarction: Case fatality and subsequent risk of heart failure and death.

Background Animal studies indicate that exercise reduces myocardial damage during myocardial infarction by ischaemic preconditioning. Aim To determine from a prospective cohort study whether the level of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) in humans prior to myocardial infarction could modify the course of myocardial infarction by reducing case fatality and the subsequent risk of heart failure and mortality. Methods A total of 14,223 participants in the Copenhagen City Heart Study were assessed at baseline in 1976-1978; 1,664 later developed myocardial infarction (mean age at myocardial infarction 70.9 years) and were followed through registries until 2013. We explored the association of LTPA assessed before myocardial infarction with the risk of fatal myocardial infarction, heart failure and all-cause mortality after myocardial infarction. Odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated by logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression models, adjusted for age at myocardial infarction and other potential confounders. Results A total of 425 (25.5%) myocardial infarctions were fatal. Higher levels of LTPA prior to myocardial infarction were associated with lower case fatality: adjusted ORs (95% confidence interval), with reference to sedentary LTPA were 0.68 (0.51-0.89) for light LTPA and 0.53 (0.38-0.74) for moderate/high LTPA. A total of 360 (29.1%) of the 1,239 myocardial infarction survivors developed heart failure and 1,033 (83.4%) died during follow-up. There was no association between LTPA levels prior to myocardial infarction and the risk of heart failure or all-cause mortality after non-fatal myocardial infarction: adjusted HRs for moderate/high versus sedentary LTPA were 1.06 (0.78-1.45) and 0.90 (0.74-1.08), respectively. Conclusion Individuals who were physically active had lower case fatality of myocardial infarction, but survivors were not protected against subsequent heart failure or mortality.

Exercise Intensity and Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome: The SUN Project.

Emerging evidence suggests that vigorous physical activity may be associated with higher cardioprotective benefits than moderate physical activity. This study aimed to assess the long-term relationship between the intensity of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MS) in a prospective cohort study. The Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra (SUN) Project comprises Spanish university graduates. Participants (n=10,145) initially free of MS were followed for a minimum of 6 years (2008-2014). Analysis was conducted in 2015. Physical activity was assessed though a validated questionnaire. The intensity of each physical activity was measured in METs. The intensity of LTPA was estimated by the ratio between total METs/week and total hours of LTPA/week, obtaining the mean METs/hour of LTPA. MS was defined according to the harmonizing definition. The association between the intensity of LTPA (METs/hour) and MS was assessed with logistic regression models adjusting for potential confounders. Among 10,145 participants initially free of any MS criteria, 412 new MS cases were observed. Vigorous LTPA was associated with a 37% relatively lower risk (AOR=0.63, 95% CI=0.44, 0.89) compared with light LTPA. For a given total energy expenditure, independent of the time spent on it, participants who performed vigorous LTPA exhibited a higher reduction in the risk of MS than those who performed light to moderate LTPA. Vigorous LTPA was significantly associated with lower risk of developing MS after a 6-year follow-up period.

Menstrual Cycle Abnormalities in Healthy Women With Low Physical Activity: The North-Trøndelag Population-based Health Study

Menstrual dysfunctions are often found in athletic women. This study evaluated the association between leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and menstrual function in healthy nonathletic women. During 1984-1986, a population-based health survey (HUNT 1) was conducted in Nord-Trøndelag, Norway, with follow-up (HUNT 2) in 1995-1997. Women < 45 years old in HUNT 2 were included in the current study. LTPA was assessed by questionnaire in HUNT 1 and HUNT 2, and menstrual function by questionnaire in HUNT 2. Adjusted odds ratios (OR's) for long cycles were increased in women who reported < 1 hour of light LTPA (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0-2.0) and 1-2 hours (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.0-1.8) per week compared with women with ≥ 3 hours/week. Adjusted OR for irregular cycles was decreased in women constantly in the lowest tertile of LTPA index in HUNT 1 and HUNT 2 (OR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.2-0.9). Adjusted OR for prolonged bleeding was 2.6 (95% CI = 1.3-5.4) for women with < 1 hour/week of light LTPA and 2.3 (95% CI = 1.3-4.3) for women with 1-2 hours, compared with ≥ 3 hours/week. Very low physical activity may increase the risk of menstrual cycle disruptions. Moderate PA should be encouraged for optimum reproductive health.

Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Its Association With Metabolic Risk Factors in Iranian Adults: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, 2005–2008

We examined the association between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among 4,665 randomly selected adults who participated in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, 2005–2008. Normal-weight participants with light LTPA had higher risk of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and elevated levels of triglycerides than those with vigorous LTPA. Overweight adults with moderate LTPA had higher risk of having elevated levels of fasting blood glucose than adults with vigorous LTPA and, in the same group, we found an inverse association between light LTPA and MetS after adjustment for sex, age, education levels, smoking, and calorie intake. Although participants in the normal-weight and obese groups with vigorous LTPA had higher risk of high systolic blood pressure than participants with moderate LTPA, this finding had no clinical significance. Increased LTPA is associated with decreased risk of any damaging changes in the markers of MetS.

Changes in Leisure Time Physical Activity During Pregnancy Compared to the Prior Year

To quantify changes in leisure time physical activity (LTPA) type, frequency, duration and intensity during the first half of pregnancy as compared with the year prior to pregnancy. A cross sectional study was conducted at the Maternal University Hospital in Granada, Spain. A total of 1,175 healthy pregnant women attending a scheduled visit during the 20-22nd gestational week were enrolled in the study. Information about socio-demographic, obstetric and life-style variables during the previous year and the first half of pregnancy were collected. LTPA was quantified by assigning metabolic equivalents to each activity according to frequency, intensity and duration. The prevalence of women who met the optimal physical activity recommendations before and during pregnancy was calculated, and the McNemar-Bowker symmetry test was used to assess changes in type, frequency, intensity and duration of activities between the two periods. Some sort of LTPA was performed before and during pregnancy by 68.6% of the pregnant women. Respectively, just 27.5% and 19.4% of women fulfilled LTPA recommendations prior to pregnancy and during pregnancy; 12.6% of the women meeting recommendations prior to pregnancy later did not meet those recommendations during gestation, and 4.5% showed the reverse trend. A light increase in walking as a LTPA, and a decrease in the rest of the LTPA type activities, were seen during pregnancy. Some 13.4% of women changed from moderate--the year before- to light LTPA- during pregnancy. Pregnancy involved a decrease in LTPA, not only regarding frequency, but also duration and intensity.

Physical activity and age at menopause: the Nord-Trøndelag population-based health study

ABSTRACTBackground Age at menopause may affect women's subsequent morbidity and mortality. In contrast to numerous other health outcomes, little is known about the possible effects of physical activity on age at menopause.Objectives To assess the relationship between leisure-time physical activity and age at menopause.Methods Premenopausal women participating in a population-based health survey (HUNT 2) conducted in the county of Nord-Trøndelag, Norway reported their physical activity in the period of 1995–1997. Age at menopause was reported during 2006–2008 (HUNT 3). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios for menopause and logistic regression to estimate odds ratios for early menopause, with 95% confidence intervals, adjusting for age at menarche, parity, use of oral contraceptives prior to the 6 months preceding participation in HUNT 2, symptoms of depression, smoking status, and education.Results Women aged 40–49 years at baseline had lower hazard ratios for menopause when participating in any light leisure-time physical activity compared with no activity (p < 0.05) and similar results were observed in 19–39-year-olds. In 50–59-year-old women, the results varied greatly and did not reach statistical significance.Conclusions The effects of leisure-time physical activity on age at menopause may be age-dependent. We found indications of earlier menopause for the least active women aged 19–49 years at baseline.

Tendencias de actividad física en tiempo libre y en el trabajo en la Comunidad de Madrid, 1995-2008

Introduction and objectives Information on trends in physical activity is very scarce in Mediterranean countries, which have the highest sedentariness in Europe. This study describes recent trends in leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and at work in the Madrid region. Methods The data were taken from representative annual surveys of population aged 18-64 years, between 1995-2008, 28,084 people participated. We calculated total energy, quantified in metabolic equivalent (MET-1 h per week), spent on LTPA and on light LTPA (<3 MET), moderate LTPA (3-6 MET) and vigorous LTPA (>6 MET). The annual change in LTPA was estimated by linear regression, and occupational activity by logistic regression, adjusting for age, gender and educational level. Results The total amount of LTPA in MET-1 h per week declined by 19.8% ( P < .001) between 1995-2008; for both genders, all age groups and educational levels, except for those with the lowest level of education. The adjusted annual change in MET-1 h per week was: –0.21 ( P < .001) for total LTPA; –0.1 ( P < .001) for light; –0.08 ( P < .001) for moderate; and –0.03 ( P = .192) for vigorous. This decline is reflected by a shift to the left of the LTPA distribution in the population. Occupational physical inactivity has increased in the general population (odds ratio for annual change = 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 1-1.02); specially in women, young and middle aged, and intermediate educational level. Conclusions There has been a decline in LTPA, mainly in light and moderate activities, accompanied by greater occupational physical inactivity. This could have contributed to the increase in obesity in the Community of Madrid between 1995-2008. Full English text available from: www.revespcardiol.org

Trends in Leisure Time and Occupational Physical Activity in the Madrid Region, 1995–2008

Introductions and objectives Information on trends in physical activity is very scarce in Mediterranean countries, which have the highest sedentariness in Europe. This study describes recent trends in leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and at work in the Madrid region. Methods The data were taken from representative annual surveys of population aged 18–64 years, between 1995 and 2008, 28,084 people participated. We calculated total energy, quantified in metabolic equivalent (MET-1 h per week), spent on LTPA and on light LTPA (<3 MET), moderate LTPA (3–6 MET) and vigorous LTPA (>6 MET). The annual change in LTPA was estimated by linear regression, and occupational activity by logistic regression, adjusting for age, gender and educational level. Results The total amount of LTPA in MET-1 h per week declined by 19.8% ( P < .001) between 1995 and 2008; for both genders, all age groups and educational levels, except for those with the lowest level of education. The adjusted annual change in MET-1 h per week was: −0.21 ( P < .001) for total LTPA; −0.1 ( P < .001) for light; −0.08 ( P < .001) for moderate; and −0.03 ( P = .192) for vigorous. This decline is reflected by a shift to the left of the LTPA distribution in the population. Occupational physical inactivity has increased in the general population (odds ratio for annual change = 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 1–1.02); specially in women, young and middle aged, and intermediate educational level. Conclusions There has been a decline in LTPA, mainly in light and moderate activities, accompanied by greater occupational physical inactivity. This could have contributed to the increase in obesity in the Community of Madrid between 1995 and 2008.

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.

Leisure Time Physical Activity is Associated With a Reduced Risk of Preterm Delivery

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to study the association between the times spent on sports activities and leisure time physical activity in the first and early second trimester of pregnancy and the risk of preterm delivery. STUDY DESIGN: Population-based follow-up study of 5749 healthy pregnant women who delivered in Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. RESULTS: Women who practiced more than 1 type of sports had a significantly reduced adjusted risk (odds ratio = 0.09 95% CI, 0.01-0.66) of preterm delivery compared with women with no sports activity. Compared with sedentary pregnant women, women engaged in light leisure time physical activity had a 24% nonsignificantly reduced adjusted risk (odds ratio = 0.76, 95% CI, 0.60-1.02) of preterm delivery and those engaged in moderate-to-heavy leisure time activity had a 66% reduced adjusted risk (odds ratio = 0.34, 95% CI, 0.14-0.85). CONCLUSION: Moderate-to-heavy leisure time physical activity during pregnancy is associated with a significantly reduced risk of preterm delivery.

Leisure time physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of preterm delivery

This study was undertaken to study the association between the times spent on sports activities and leisure time physical activity in the first and early second trimester of pregnancy and the risk of preterm delivery. Population-based follow-up study of 5749 healthy pregnant women who delivered in Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. Women who practiced more than 1 type of sports had a significantly reduced adjusted risk (odds ratio = 0.09 95% CI, 0.01-0.66) of preterm delivery compared with women with no sports activity. Compared with sedentary pregnant women, women engaged in light leisure time physical activity had a 24% nonsignificantly reduced adjusted risk (odds ratio = 0.76, 95% CI, 0.60-1.02) of preterm delivery and those engaged in moderate-to-heavy leisure time activity had a 66% reduced adjusted risk (odds ratio = 0.34, 95% CI, 0.14-0.85). Moderate-to-heavy leisure time physical activity during pregnancy is associated with a significantly reduced risk of preterm delivery.

Associations of Leisure-Time Physical Activity with Mobility Difficulties among Middle-Aged and Older Adults

The authors investigated the associations of the amount, frequency and intensity, and type of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) with the risk of self-reported difficulty in walking (WD) and stair climbing (SCD) over 16 years in a population-based cohort age 40-64 years at the onset of the study. Their results indicated that the risk for SCD was highest among men and women with a low amount of weekly LTPA. The risk was high also among women with weekly light LTPA compared with women with weekly vigorous LTPA. The risk for WD was highest among men who engaged in fitness activity once a week compared with men who engaged in fitness activity at least three times a week. A low amount of weekly LTPA, light LTPA twice or more a week, and LTPA for keeping fit and healthy less than three times a week are associated with future risk of mobility difficulties among middle-aged and older adults.

Actividad física y calidad de vida de la población adulta mayor en España

This study examined the relationship between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in the older adult population of Spain. Household cross-sectional survey on 3,066 subjects representatives of the non-institutionalized Spanish population aged 60 years and over. Data on LTPA was obtained with a structured questionnaire and HRQL was measured with the SF-36 instrument. Analyses were done through linear regression, where the dependent variable was each of the eight scales of the SF-36 and the main independent variable was LTPA. Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic and social network variables, health habits, health services use, and chronic diseases. A total of 42.7% subjects had a sedentary activity, 54.2% light LTPA and 3% moderate/intense LTPA. As compared with sedentary activity, light LTPA was associated with a higher score in all SF-36 scales, except for the physical role and emotional role, among men and women. For subjects with light LTPA the increase in score was over 3 points in most SF-scales, which is usually considered as a clinically relevant change in HRQL. Results did not vary materially by age, level of education, obesity or chronic disease. The higher LTPA, the better HRQL (p for linear trend < 0.05 in most scales of the SF-36 questionnaire). Light LTPA is associated with better HRQL than sedentary activity. Because this association did not change with age, level of education, obesity or chronic disease, it is suggested that most older adults could improve their HRQL with, at least, a light LTPA.

Leisure time physical activity and the 16-year risks of mortality from coronary heart disease and all-causes in the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial (MRFIT).

To examine the long-term association of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and risk of death from coronary heart disease (CHD) and all-causes. Data are from a prospective study of 12,138 middle-aged men at high risk for CHD participating in the MRFIT. Men were classified into deciles based on average min/d of LTPA reported at baseline, which were compared with cumulative CHD and all-cause mortality endpoints at the 16-year follow-up. Men in the least-active decile of LTPA who averaged 4.9 min/d of LTPA (range 0 to .9 min/d) had excess age-adjusted mortality rates of 29% and 22% for CHD and all-causes, respectively, as compared to those in combined deciles 2 to 4, who averaged 22.7 min/d of predominantly light and moderate LTPA (range 10-36 min/d). No further decrement in mortality rates was noted in those in the higher declines of LTPA. These associations remained significant (P < 0.05) after proportional hazards adjustments for additional possible confounding variables. These data suggest that a relatively small amount (10 to 36 min/d) of daily moderate intensity LTPA can significantly reduce premature mortality, particularly from CHD, in middle-aged and older men at high risk for CHD.