Physical Activity Mode and Survival in U.S. Adults

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the protective effects of different modes of physical activity (PA) on all-cause mortality in adults. Methods: Data for this research came from the 2001-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Participants 18+ years of age who were eligible for mortality linkage were used in the analysis. Different modes of PA were determined from a series of questions asking respondents if they participated in transportation (TPA), home/yard (HPA), moderate recreational (MPA), vigorous recreational (VPA), or muscle strengthening (MSPA) physical activity. Those respondents answering “yes” to either question were considered participating in that PA mode. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to model the effects of PA mode on mortality while controlling for age, sex, race, and income. Results: Adults were at less risk of mortality if they participated in TPA (Hazard Ratio (HR) =0.72, 95% CI: 0.57, 0.90), HPA (HR=0.43, 95% CI: 0.33-0.55), VPA (HR=0.30, 95% CI: 0.23-0.38), MPA (HR=0.53, 95% CI: 0.45-0.62), and MSPA (HR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.32-0.60). The adjusted model showed a 24.0% decrease in mortality (HR=0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.85) for each additional PA mode adopted. Conclusions: Results from this study indicate that various types of PA protect adults from all-cause mortality. Additionally, a dose-response relationship exists between the number of PA modes adopted and risk of mortality.