A29-01 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)-based Analysis of the Correlation of MVPA (Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity) With Airway Obstructive Lung Diseases and Outcomes

Abstract Rationale Higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) have been consistently associated with lower overall mortality in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In contrast, the relationship between MVPA and asthma remains less clear. While some studies suggest improved lung function, enhanced asthma control, and fewer exacerbations with greater activity, others indicate that higher activity levels may worsen asthma symptoms or increase exacerbation risk. Moreover, most prior research on MVPA and asthma have focused on pediatric populations, with limited data in adults. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of adults aged ≥18 years from the 2007-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). COPD was defined by self-reported physician diagnoses of emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or COPD. Asthma was identified by self-report, and asthma-COPD overlap (ACO) was defined as the coexistence of both conditions. Asthma attacks were identified using self-reported data. MVPA was assessed from self-reported frequency (days per week) and duration (minutes per day) of moderate or vigorous physical activity. Covariates included age, sex, race/ethnicity, body mass index, education, poverty-to-income ratio, smoking history, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Survey-weighted regression models were used to evaluate associations between MVPA and respiratory outcomes, and linked National Death Index data were used to assess overall mortality. Results Moderate MVPA was associated with significantly lower odds of COPD (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.27-0.98; p 0.05) and overall mortality (HR 0.69; 95% CI 0.56-0.86; p 0.05) compared with low MVPA. High MVPA levels were also protective, with lower odds of COPD defined as emphysema or COPD (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.45-0.82; p 0.01) and a 66% lower risk of mortality (HR 0.34; 95% CI 0.21-0.54; p 0.05). Moderate MVPA was inversely associated with asthma attacks (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.44-0.98; p 0.05). Both moderate and high MVPA were protective against ACO, with ORs of 0.46 (95% CI 0.32-0.66; p 0.001) and 0.63 (95% CI 0.42-0.93; p 0.05), respectively. High MVPA was protective for mortality among participants with COPD but not among those with asthma. Conclusions Higher levels of MVPA were associated with a lower odds of COPD, asthma attacks, and asthma-COPD overlap, as well as reduced overall mortality. The above underscores the role of MVPA as a modifiable factor that may improve outcomes in airway obstructive lung diseases. Future research with well-designed adequately powered randomized controlled trials is needed to compare the effects of different types, intensities and durations of physical activity on airway obstructive lung diseases and outcomes. This abstract is funded by: None