Physical Activity of ≥7.5 MET-h/Week Is Significantly Associated with a Decreased Risk of Cervical Neoplasia

Abstract

Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant neoplasms worldwide. We investigated whether leisure-time physical activity is sufficient to decrease the cervical neoplasia risk and provide suggested guidance of metabolic equivalents of task–hours per week (MET-h/week) spent on leisure-time physical activity to prevent cervical neoplasia. Ultimately, 433 participants, including 126 participants with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia I or higher disease (≥CIN 1) and 307 healthy controls, were recruited. All participants completed a standardized questionnaire about leisure-time physical activity engagement (MET-h/week) and a general health questionnaire and had cervical specimens taken to detect human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. CIN 1 staging was identified from the specimens. Participants with physical activity of ≥3.75 MET-h/week had a significantly lower CIN risk compared to those with physical activity of <3.75 MET-h/week (p = 0.01). However, among participants with HPV infection or smokers, the minimal requirement of leisure-time physical actively to lessen the CIN risk was ≥7.5 MET-h/week. Lifetime leisure-time physical activity of ≥0.12 MET-h/week–year also significantly decreased the CIN risk, but women with HPV infection needed ≥13.2 MET-h/week–year to protect them from a CIN risk. We concluded that regular leisure-time physical activity of ≥7.5 MET-h/week and sustained lifetime leisure-time physical activity ≥13.2 MET-h/week–year are vital factors for protecting women against cervical neoplasia risk.

The lifestyle factors of physical activity and diet balance associated with HPV infection in China: The cross-sectional study

“…To decrease HPV infection risk through physical activity, stratification analysis reported the many benefits of high level physical activity. Potential reasons may include a decrease in monocyte engagement in the preinvasive tumor microenvironment (TME) causing a depletion in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) ( 19 , 32 ); or explained by the relation between HPV and human immune system like cell immunity such as CD4/CD8 T cell ( 20 ). In other words, we recommend women infected with HPV to undertake higher levels of physical activity.…”

The Lifestyle Factors of Physical Activity and Diet Balance associated with HPV Infection

“…To enhance HPV infection through physical activity, stratification analysis reported the many benefits of low-risk physical activity. Potential reasons may include a decrease in monocyte engagement in the preinvasive tumor microenvironment (TME) causing a depletion in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) [21, 22]; or explained by the relation between HPV and human immune system like cell immunity such as CD4/CD8 T cell [23]. In other words, we recommend women infected with HPV to undertake higher levels of physical activity.…”