Association between physical activity and nocturia: A cross-sectional study using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2016

Background Lifestyle modification is widely recognized as the primary strategy for managing nocturia; however, the association between physical activity and nocturia remains unclear. This study aimed to examine this relationship. Methods We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2007 and 2016. Physical activity and nocturia frequency were assessed using questionnaires. Weighted logistic regression was applied to evaluate their association. Results Among 25,184 participants, 31.1% reported no nocturia episodes, 55.2% had one to two episodes, 11.6% had three to four episodes, and 2.1% had five or more episodes. Physical activity levels differed significantly across groups. After adjustment for multiple variables, vigorous physical activity was associated with a lower risk of nocturia (odds ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval: 0.86–0.98; P = 0.007). Participants who engaged in vigorous activity also reported fewer nocturia episodes (odds ratio, 0.96 for one to two episodes, P = 0.02; 0.80 for three to four episodes, P < 0.001; and 0.73 for five or more episodes, P = 0.007). This association remained consistent across most subgroups. Conclusion Vigorous physical activity is associated with a lower risk and severity of nocturia. These findings suggest that increasing physical activity may help prevent or reduce nocturia, although further cohort studies are warranted to confirm these results.