Associations between physical activity levels and chronic lung diseases in middle-aged and older adults in China: A CHARLS-based study.

Abstract

Chronic lung diseases (CLDs) pose a significant public health challenge globally, particularly among aging populations. Physical activity (PA) is a modifiable lifestyle factor with potential benefits for respiratory health. This study aimed to investigate the association between PA levels and the odds of CLDs among middle-aged and older adults in China. Data were derived from the 2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). A total of 8,143 participants aged 45 years and older were included. Multivariable logistic regression and subgroup analyses were performed to examine the association between PA and CLDs. The overall prevalence of CLDs was 18.11% (1,475/8,143). In the multivariable model, high-intensity physical activity was associated with lower odds of CLDs compared to low-intensity activity (OR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.74-0.99, P = 0.039), while moderate-intensity activity showed a trend but was not significant (OR=0.87, 95% CI: 0.74-1.02, P = 0.085). Subgroup analyses revealed a significant interaction by sex and age (P for interaction <0.05). The inverse association was significant among males (moderate: OR=0.75; high: OR=0.74) and among participants aged ≥65 years (high-intensity: OR=0.80, 95% CI: 0.68-0.94, P = 0.008), but not among females. This cross-sectional analysis found that high-intensity physical activity was independently associated with lower odds of CLDs in Chinese adults aged 45 and older, with the association varying by age and sex. Promoting regular physical activity, particularly in older adults and middle-aged men, may be a valuable public health strategy for respiratory health in China's aging population. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings.