Health related quality of life is differently associated with leisure-time physical activity intensities according to gender: a cross-sectional approach

Abstract

BackgroundSeveral studies have demonstrated a positive association between physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HRQL). However, studies have suggested that this association depends both on the PA intensity and the domain of HRQL evaluated. This study aimed to explore the association between physical, mental and overall HRQL with recommended levels of PA. PA levels were divided into moderate and vigorous intensity leisure-time PA and total leisure-time PA.MethodsThe study included 1001 adults, 582 women (46 ± 17 years) and 419 men (43 ± 16 years), residents in Rio Claro-SP, Brazil. All participants completed the SF-36 questionnaire to assess HRQL and the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to assess level and intensities of leisure-time PA. Total leisure-time PA at moderate intensity was classified as: less than 9 min/week, 10-149 min/week, 150-299 min/week and 300 min/week or more. Total leisure-time PA at vigorous intensity was classified as: less than 9 min/week, 10 to 74.9 min/week, 75-149 min/week and 150 min/week or more. Multiple linear regression was performed in STATA version 12.0.ResultsAmong women, moderate intensity and total leisure-time PA were associated with physical health. Among men, moderate and vigorous intensity and total leisure-time PA were associated with physical health and overall HRQL. Furthermore, moderate intensity and total leisure-time PA were associated with mental health in men. However, vigorous intensity PA was not associated with mental health for this group.ConclusionThe different domains of HRQL were associated with different levels and intensities of PA in leisure-time according to gender of adults. These findings indicate the complexity and importance of evaluating the HRQL stratified by gender and consider the different levels and intensities of PA.

Relations between subdomains of physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, and quality of life in young adult men

“…Furthermore, a positive association between PA and HRQoL in the elderly population has also been reported . Moreover, our findings are consistent with previous studies that reported positive relationships between leisure‐time PA and Physical Summary score and Mental Summary score in a healthy male and female adult population. However, the information is sparse between domain‐specific PA, including sitting time, and HRQoL in young adult men.…”

The impact of shift and night work on health related quality of life of working women: findings from the Korea Health Panel

“…Specifically, health related quality of life (HRQoL) describes the general health and well-being of an individual with regard to symptoms and functioning and reflects how an individual values a particular state of health [3]. Hence, as health related quality of life can explain how people perceive their health and the specific physical, psychological, and social support needed in carrying out activities of daily life, it is important to investigate the associated factors [4]. …”

Quality of Life in Mothers of Children with Microcephaly in the Northeast of Brazil

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