Restrictive spirometry pattern is associated with low physical activity levels. A population based international study.

To access publisher's full text version of this article click on the hyperlink belowRestrictive spirometry pattern is an under-recognised disorder with a poor morbidity and mortality prognosis. We compared physical activity levels between adults with a restrictive spirometry pattern and with normal spirometry. Restrictive spirometry pattern was defined as a having post-bronchodilator FEV Subjects with a restrictive spirometry pattern (n = 280/4721 in ECRHS, n = 143/3570 in SAPALDIA) reported lower levels of physical activity than those with normal spirometry (median of 1770 vs 2253 MET·min/week in ECRHS, and 3519 vs 3945 MET·min/week in SAPALDIA). Subjects with a restrictive spirometry pattern were more likely to report low physical activity (meta-analysis odds ratio: 1.41 [95%CI 1.07-1.86]) than those with a normal spirometry. Obesity, respiratory symptoms, co-morbidities and previous physical activity levels did not fully explain this finding. Adults with a restrictive spirometry pattern were more likely to report low levels of physical activity than those with normal spirometry. These results highlight the need to identify and act on this understudied but prevalent condition.European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme National Science Foundation European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship scheme (H2020-MSCA-IF-2015