Association between leisure-time physical activity and health-related quality of life changes over time.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to assess whether changes in leisure-time physical activity over 3 years are associated with changes in health-related quality of life.


METHODS
Among the adults enrolled in the Supplementation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxidants study in France, 3891 completed the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire to assess leisure-time physical activity and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form to assess health-related quality of life in 1998 and 2001. Multivariate analyses involving logistic and linear regressions determined the association between changes in leisure-time physical activity and changes in health-related quality of life.


RESULTS
Over 3 years, increased leisure-time physical activity was associated with high scores in health-related quality of life dimensions: physical functioning, mental health, vitality for both sexes as well as social functioning for women only. An increase of 1 h per week of leisure-time physical activity was associated with a 0.17- and 0.39-point increase in the vitality dimension in men and women, respectively. The mental component score was also increased in women increasing their leisure-time physical activity.


CONCLUSIONS
The long-term association between leisure-time physical activity and health-related quality of life changes is limited and has little clinical significance, especially for men and for the physical health-related quality of life dimensions. The long-term association needs to be further explored before formulating public health recommendations.
Tessier
Sabrina
S
EA 4003, Nancy-Université, Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, 9 avenue de la Forêt de Haye, BP 184, 54500 Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France.
Vuillemin
Anne
A
Bertrais
Sandrine
S
Boini
Stéphanie
S
Le Bihan
Etienne
E
Oppert
Jean-Michel
JM
Hercberg
Serge
S
Guillemin
Francis
F
Briançon
Serge
S
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires