Leisure Time Physical Activity of Moderate to Vigorous Intensity and Mortality: A Large Pooled Cohort Analysis

Summary

Background Leisure time physical activity reduces the risk of premature mortality, but the years of life expectancy gained at different levels remains unclear. Our objective was to determine the years of life gained after age 40 associated with various levels of physical activity, both overall and according to body mass index (BMI) groups, in a large pooled analysis. Methods and Findings We examined the association of leisure time physical activity with mortality during follow-up in pooled data from six prospective cohort studies in the National Cancer Institute Cohort Consortium, comprising 654,827 individuals, 21–90 y of age. Physical activity was categorized by metabolic equivalent hours per week (MET-h/wk). Life expectancies and years of life gained/lost were calculated using direct adjusted survival curves (for participants 40+ years of age), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) derived by bootstrap. The study includes a median 10 y of follow-up and 82,465 deaths. A physical activity level of 0.1–3.74 MET-h/wk, equivalent to brisk walking for up to 75 min/wk, was associated with a gain of 1.8 (95% CI: 1.6–2.0) y in life expectancy relative to no leisure time activity (0 MET-h/wk). Higher levels of physical activity were associated with greater gains in life expectancy, with a gain of 4.5 (95% CI: 4.3–4.7) y at the highest level (22.5+ MET-h/wk, equivalent to brisk walking for 450+ min/wk). Substantial gains were also observed in each BMI group. In joint analyses, being active (7.5+ MET-h/wk) and normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9) was associated with a gain of 7.2 (95% CI: 6.5–7.9) y of life compared to being inactive (0 MET-h/wk) and obese (BMI 35.0+). A limitation was that physical activity and BMI were ascertained by self report. Conclusions More leisure time physical activity was associated with longer life expectancy across a range of activity levels and BMI groups.

Key Points

• 1Leisure time physical activity is linked to increased life expectancy
• 2Higher activity levels yield greater gains in years of life
• 3The analysis included over 654,000 individuals from six cohort studies
• 4Findings highlight differences in life expectancy by body mass index and activity level
• 5Self-reported data on physical activity presents a limitation in the study.

Related articles

• Absolutely. I based this on the 4th edition of Essentials of

  Absolutely. I based this on the 4th edition of Essentials of Nursing Informatics that you uploaded. The book identifies Chapter 17 as “Theories, Models, and Frameworks” and Chapter 32 as “The Nursing

• Anatomy and Physiology of the Respiratory System

  This document provides a detailed overview of the anatomy and functions of the respiratory system, including structures, gas exchange mechanisms, and respiratory physiology. It covers both upper and lower respiratory tract components, physiological processes involved in breathing, and the impacts of various factors on respiratory health.

• Blood Vessels and Circulatory System Functions

  This document provides an extensive overview of blood vessel functions, classifications, structures, and the circulatory system's physiology. It details systemic and pulmonary circulation, highlighting the anatomy and roles of various arteries and veins.

• Functions and Anatomy of the Lymphatic and Immune Systems

  This document provides an overview of the lymphatic system's functions, anatomy, and its role in immunity, detailing structures such as lymphatic vessels, nodes, and organs. It also covers innate and adaptive immunity, including responses to foreign substances and the production of immune cells.

• The Endocrine System

  This document provides a comprehensive overview of the Endocrine System, detailing the various glands, hormones they secrete, and their effects on bodily functions. It explores the roles of each gland, the hormones involved, and the feedback mechanisms that regulate hormone levels.