Differences in mortality risk by levels of physical activity among persons with disabilities in South Korea

The World Health Organization's recommendation of at least 150 min of physical activity per week is important for increasing the lifespan of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Conduct a survival analysis to examine the relationship between physical activity and mortality using cohort data from the National Health Insurance Service in South Korea from 2017 to 2021. The survival analysis included 259,146 PWDs, with a maximum follow-up of 57 months, and adjustments for covariates, including physical activity level, comorbidities, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

People who exercised >150 min weekly had a lower risk of death compared to those who exercised less (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR]: 0.727, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.674-0.784). The risk of death increased with increasing age (AHR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.077-1.083), smokers had a higher risk of death than non-smokers (AHR: 1.487, 95% CI: 1.396-1.583), and the risk of death increased with increasing Charlson comorbidity index scores (AHR: 1.228, 95% CI: 1.22-1.237).

Even after adjusting for socioeconomic and other risk factors, PWDs who are physically inactive have a higher risk of death. Customized physical activity policies for PWDs are needed to reduce health inequities.