Periodontal disease as a risk indicator for poor physical fitness: a cross-sectional observational study

Physical inactivity has been associated with poor oral health. The aim of this study is to assess whether periodontal disease is a risk indicator for poor physical fitness.

This cross-sectional study included 111 males who performed a physical fitness test (PFT) composed of four exercises: 1) push-ups conducted by pushing the body up and lowering it down using the arms; 2) pull-ups with the body suspended by the arms gripped on a bar; 3) sit-ups in which the upper and lower vertebrae are lifted from the floor; and 4) running for 12 minutes. A PFT score (range of 1 to 300) was determined for each participant, with higher scores indicating better physical fitness. One periodontist assessed attachment loss (AL) and probing depth (PD). Physical fitness was dichotomized according to whether the highest PFT score was "achieved" or "not achieved." Multivariable logistic models were fitted adjusting for age, overweight (body mass index of 25 to 29.9 kg/m(2)), and frequency of daily exercise.

The mean age of the sample was 34.8 ± 10.3 years. Overweight individuals demonstrated significantly lower PFT scores (276.9 ± 24.1 points) than normal-weight individuals (289.3 ± 16.8 points). Individuals presenting at least one tooth with AL ≥ 4 mm had significantly lower PFT scores (277.8 ± 23.6 points) compared with those without this status (285.9 ± 20.2 points). A 1-mm increment in PD or AL significantly decreased the chance of reaching the highest PFT score by 69% or 75%, respectively.

Periodontal disease may be considered a risk indicator for poor physical fitness in males.