Longitudinal relations between physical activity and alcohol consumption among young adults.

Abstract

Objective: Recent research has revealed positive associations between alcohol use and physical activity. However, findings from these studies have been inconsistent, and longitudinal designs have been underutilized. Therefore, the present study examined longitudinal associations between physical activity and alcohol use in a sample of young adults. Method: This study is a secondary analysis of 383 college students (57% female) who reported their drinking behaviors at 3-month assessments over an approximately 2-year period. Self-reported physical activity was examined for the first 9 months, and drinking was assessed over 21 months. Results: Analyses revealed that increases in the intensity of physical activity over the first 9 months predicted increases in drinking over the same time period; however, predictions over the subsequent year were nonsignificant. Conversely, increases in alcohol use over the first 9 months were associated with concurrent increases in duration of physical activity. Conclusions: Results extend previous cross-sectional research findings by indicating that positive associations between physical activity and alcohol use also are found longitudinally. Public Health Significance StatementThis longitudinal study indicated that changes in physical activity were positively associated with alcohol use over the same 9-month period but did not predict changes over the subsequent year. The association between concurrent changes suggests that the linkage of alcohol use with exercise may become a lasting connection given that the college years are a period in which lifelong health habits form.

Alcohol, Resistance Exercise, and mTOR Pathway Signaling: An Evidence-Based Narrative Review

“…In contrast to the independent effects of ethanol and RE on mTOR pathway signaling, few studies have investigated the combined effects of ethanol and RE on mTOR pathway signaling and MPS. Recreational ethanol use is higher among physically active individuals compared to sedentary individuals [6][7][8], especially for those who participate in RE and vigorous-intensity exercise [8,9]. The opposing independent effects of ethanol and RE on mTOR pathway signaling and MPS suggest that alcohol may interfere with exercise adaptations in athletes and active individuals.…”

“…Physically active individuals, especially those who regularly perform RE and vigorousintensity exercise, report consuming alcohol more frequently and in larger quantities compared to sedentary individuals [6][7][8][9]. Unlike RE, alcohol (as ethanol) administration suppresses MPS.…”