The Impact of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior on Mortality in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract Objective This study sought to examine the association between inactive time, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), and mortality in individuals diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Design This study utilized a nationally representative sample of patients with COPD from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) survey (n = 1817; weighted population, 23,698,840). Mortality was tracked from the date of interview and examination. LTPA and sedentary time were assessed using a Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results The study found that only 28% of patients with COPD achieved sufficient LTPA (LTPA ≥150 min/week), while 58% reported no physical activity and 47% sat for over six hours per day. Over a nine-year follow-up period, 501 deaths occurred, with 101 due to heart diseases. Adequate LTPA levels were associated with a decreased risk of mortality from any cause. Moreover, patients who engaged in sufficient LTPA and reduced sitting time had a lower risk of mortality from any cause compared to those who did not engage in sufficient LTPA. Conclusion Participating in an adequate amount of LTPA was linked to a reduced risk of death from any cause in patients with COPD. However, irrespective of the extent of the LTPA, there was no significant correlation between sedentary behavior and the risk of mortality.