Adolescent and Current Exercise Habits in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Associations with Body Composition,...

Regular exercise significantly influences chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) outcomes. However, the associations of exercise habits during adolescence compared to current exercise habits on physical activity (PA), body composition, pulmonary function, and CT imaging parameters remain unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to clarify the associations of adolescent and current exercise habits with current conditions.

This cross-sectional study enrolled 86 participants, including 72 with COPD and 14 with pre-COPD. Adolescent exercise habits were defined as regular exercise during ages 16 to 22 years, while current exercise habits were defined as regular exercise for at least 1 year. PA was assessed using a triaxial accelerometer, body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and pulmonary function was assessed using spirometry and computed tomography.

Adolescent exercise habits were not significantly associated with PA or body composition, although they were associated with an increased lung volume. Compared to adolescent exercise habits, current exercise habits were associated with an increased duration of active engagement, less sedentary behavior, and increased diffusing capacity. Moreover, current exercise habits were associated with increased fat-free mass index, bone mineral content, and phase angle, which is an indicator of muscle quality. The influence of current exercise habits on these musculoskeletal indicators remained significant even after adjusting for age, sex, disease severity, and adolescent exercise habits. In addition, the relationship between PA and musculoskeletal health was more pronounced in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD than in those with mild COPD.

Exercise during adolescence may promote increased lung volume. However, even after the onset of COPD, especially if the disease has progressed, regular exercise routines can help maintain PA, better body composition, and pulmonary function.