| Title: | Association of physical activity volume with the risks of nervous system diseases: a retrospective cohort study |
| Journal: | Frontiers in Neurology |
| Published: | 8 Apr 2026 |
| Pubmed: | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42028223/ |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2026.1804767 |
Publication 18063
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Abstract
Background: Physical activity volume (PAV) has been linked to a wide range of health outcomes; however, its association with incident nervous system diseases remains incompletely understood. This study explored their relationship using data from UK Biobank.</p>
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 278,306 participants from the UK Biobank. PAV was quantified as metabolic equivalent of task (MET) minutes per week, derived from self-reported physical activity levels, and categorized into three groups. Incident cases of nervous system diseases were identified through ICD-10 codes obtained from hospital inpatient records, death registries, and self-reports. Cox proportional hazards models were employed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for a series of covariates. Restricted cubic splines were applied to assess potential non-linear associations.</p>
Results: Women and individuals aged 60 years or older exhibited higher incidence rates of nervous system diseases. After multivariable adjustment, higher PAV was significantly associated with a lower risk of overall nervous system diseases (HR < 1). A non-linear dose-response relationship was observed, with the lowest risk occurring at a PAV level of 1,356 MET-min/week. Subgroup analyses indicated that elevated PAV conferred protective effects against several specific conditions. Conversely, higher PAV was associated with an increased risk of meningitis.</p>
Conclusion: Increased levels of physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of numerous nervous system diseases, with optimal protection observed at approximately 1,356 MET-min/week. These findings support the promotion of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity as a preventive strategy for neurological disorders, particularly among high-risk populations.</p>
5 Authors
- Mingming Ye
- Yibai Zhu
- Kaiyun Xu
- Li Li
- Fangyuan Hu
1 Application
| Application ID | Title |
|---|---|
| 99709 | Risk factor and causal association detection in common diseases |
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