title: Light-Intensity Physical Activity and Medical Multimorbidity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  No study has examined the association between objectively measured light-intensity physical activity (LIPA) and multimorbidity (≥2 chronic diseases) in a national sample of US adults. I undertook this examination.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data from the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used (N = 2048 adults 20 years old and older). Physical activity was assessed via accelerometry, with multimorbidity assessed via physician diagnosis and biometric screening.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In a multivariable linear regression and after adjustments, for every 60-minute/day increase in LIPA, participants had a lower multimorbidity index (βadjusted = -0.09, 95% confidence interval -0.12 to -0.05, P < 0.001). In a multivariable logistic regression and after adjustments, for every 60-minute/day increase in LIPA, participants had 13% (odds ratioadjusted 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.79-0.96, P = 0.01) reduced odds of being multimorbid (ie, having ≥2 morbidities).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LIPA, independent of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, is associated with reduced odds of multimorbidity. As such, promotion of LIPA, as well as moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, may be a sensible strategy to help prevent and treat multimorbidity.
authors.affiliation: From the Center for Health Behavior Research, Department of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management, University of Mississippi, University.
authors.forename: Paul D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Loprinzi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D014481:United States