Impact of the severity of restrictive spirometric pattern on nutrition, physical activity, and quality of life: results from a nationally representative database

The general disease burden associated with the restrictive spirometric pattern (RSP) is substantial, but the impact of RSP severity on general health problems and quality of life is not well elucidated. This study analyzed nutrition, physical activity, and quality of life in Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2016 participants according to RSP severity. Participants were classified as normal spirometry, mild-to-moderate RSP, and severe RSP. Poor quality of life was defined as the 25th percentile on the EQ-5D index (0.90). Among 23,615 subjects, 20,742 had normal spirometry, 2,758 had mild-to-moderate RSP, and 115 had severe RSP. Subjects with severe RSP were more likely to have lower education levels, lower total caloric intake, less physical activity, higher prevalence of comorbidities, and poorer quality of life than those with normal spirometry (P<0.001 for all). In multivariable analysis, mild-to-moderate and severe RSP were associated with decreased total calories (coefficients −56.6 kcal and −286.7 kcal, respectively) versus normal; mild-to-moderate and severe RSP were 1.26- and 1.96-fold more likely, respectively, to have poorer quality of life. Mild-to-moderate and severe RSP were 0.84 and 0.36 times less likely, respectively, to have high-intensity physical activity in univariable analysis. Trends of poorer quality of life and physical activity were significant only in males. The severity of general health problems and quality of life reductions correlate with RSP severity, especially in males.