A restrictive spirometry pattern is characterized by reduced levels of both FEV1 and FVC, while FEV1/FVC remains within normal ranges. Whether physical activity levels differ among those with a restrictive pattern compared to healthy adults has never been reported and is the aim of this study Lung function and physical activity were assessed in the third follow-up of the ECRHS and SAPALDIA cohorts. Restrictive pattern was defined as a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ≥ LLN and FVC < 80% predicted (based on GLI equations). Physical activity was characterised as low, moderate or high, derived from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Differences in physical activity levels between restrictive pattern versus non-restrictive pattern subjects were evaluated using multinomial logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, education, asthma and body mass index. Subjects with COPD (post-bronchodilation FEV1/FVC < LLN) were excluded from all analyses. In ECRHS (n=4454, 39-67 years), 5.4% of participants had a restrictive pattern. These subjects were more likely to be obese than those without a restrictive pattern (39% vs 21%) and more likely to be characterised as having low physical activity (relative risk ratio: 1.75 [95%CI 1.16-2.63], high physical activity used as reference). This result was replicated in SAPALDIA (n=3789, 36-82 years, 2.78 [1.16-6.67]). In two large European studies, adults who exhibit a restrictive spirometry pattern were more likely to have a low level of physical activity compared to healthy adults.
