Incidence of activity limitations and its association with physical activity, fitness, and other lifestyle factors

Objectives. This study analyzed data from the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study, a prospective study investigating the health effects of physical activity and fitness. The purposes of this study were to: (1) Describe the rates of activity limitation by level of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness, (2) Describe the associations between aerobic activity, flexibility exercise, and muscle strengthening exercise and risk of an activity limitation, and (3) Determine significant predictors for activity limitation in adults classified by chronic disease status.;Methods. Participants were free of activity limitation in 1990. Cardiorespiratory fitness, height, and weight were measured during a baseline clinical exam, and participants self-reported physical activity participation and disease history. Incident activity limitations were ascertained via mail back surveys in 1995 and 1999. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the distribution of activity limitations by physical activity and fitness level. Logistic regression was used to determine the associations between types of physical activities and activity limitations, and determine modifiable predictors of activity limitation among adults with and without a chronic condition.;Results. Adults who were physically active or fit at baseline were less likely to report the development of an activity limitation after five years and nine years of follow up. Among adults who developed a limitation, participation in physical activity and moderate fitness resulted in developing fewer limitations. There was an inverse relationship between the number of physical activities performed (aerobic activity, flexibility exercise, muscle strengthening exercise) and risk of an activity limitation. Participation in a combination of physical activities, high cardiorespiratory fitness, and normal weight were protective against activity limitation for adults with a chronic disease as well as for those without. Smoking and alcohol consumption were unrelated to activity limitation risk.;Conclusions. The results of this study suggest functional decline and onset of activity limitations can be positively influenced by physical activity participation, maintenance of a high level of cardiorespiratory fitness, and maintenance of a healthy body weight. These modifiable factors are targets for intervention, and steps should be taken to encourage physical activity participation among all adults as a means of promoting optimal levels of functioning.