The impact of physical activity on physical health functioning--a prospective study among middle-aged employees

To examine whether physical activity contributes to physical health functioning five to seven years later among middle-aged employees.

Baseline data were collected in 2000-2002 by questionnaire surveys among 40-60-year-old employees of Helsinki City. A follow-up survey was conducted among baseline respondents in 2007 (n=7330, response rate 83%). Physical activity during leisure time or commuting within the previous 12 months was asked at baseline. Physical health functioning was measured by physical component summary (PCS) of the Short-Form 36 questionnaire. PCS mean scores were examined, as were poor and good PCS scores.

Vigorously active and conditioning exercisers had better subsequent physical health functioning than did the inactive and moderately active. Baseline health and functioning explained a major part of the differences found. Smoking, alcohol use and BMI further explained some of the differences. No clear differences in physical health functioning mean scores emerged during follow-up. In good physical health functioning, however some differences between conditioning and inactive women remained after adjustments.

Prospective associations between physical activity and physical health functioning were relatively weak, but high physical activity may help in maintaining good physical health functioning. Vigorous activity may be more beneficial than moderate activity.