Association between muscle strengthening physical activities and mortality among American adults with mobility limitations

Compared to aerobic-based physical activity, less research has evaluated the effects of muscle-strengthening physical activity (MSPA) on mortality. Additionally, limited research has evaluated this among adults with mobility limitations, which was this study's purpose. Data from the 2003–2006 NHANES, with follow-up through 2011, were used (analyzed in 2016). MSPA was assessed via self-report, with all-cause, CVD-specific, and cancer-specific mortality assessed as the outcome variables. Analyses were limited to adults with mobility limitations (N=1411), assessed via a validated questionnaire. After adjustments, those meeting MSPA guidelines (vs. not) had a 38% reduced hazard of all-cause death (HR=0.62; 95% CI: 0.41–0.95). Results were similar for CVD-specific mortality (HR=0.46; 95% CI: 0.23–0.97) and cancer-specific mortality (HR=0.27; 95% CI: 0.06–1.20). Meeting MSPA guidelines is associated with reduced all-cause and cause-specific mortality among adults with mobility limitations. This is an encouraging observation as adults with mobility limitations may be unable to engage in sufficient amounts of aerobic-based physical activity. Thus, promotion of MSPA among this population may be of critical importance. •A national sample was employed.•Muscle strengthening physical activities (MSPA) was linked with survival.•Limited research has evaluated this among those with mobility limitations.•MSPA was protective against early mortality among this population.