A combination of moderate and vigorous physical activities reduces the burden of multimorbidity: findings from Longitudinal Ageing Study in India

Background Physical inactivity is a significant factor contributing to the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The objective of this study is to examine the association between physical activity and multimorbidity among Indian adults aged 45 years and above by residence. Methods Data from Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) 2017-2018, wave 1, a nationally representative study, are used to examine the above objective. A total of 59,073 adults aged 45 years and above are enlisted in the study. Physical activities and other demographic and socioeconomic variables have been used to describe the distribution of multimorbidity and investigate their relationship. Logistic regression is employed to examine the adjusted impact of physical activity on multimorbidity among Indian adults (45 + years) by residence. Results The level of physical activity is inversely related to the prevalence of multimorbidity in India. The rate of multimorbidity ranges from 4 to 12% among moderately active individuals in rural areas, whereas it ranges from 9 to 34% in urban areas across the age groups of 45 to 75+ years. Notably, the individuals who engage in both moderate and vigorous activities have a lower prevalence of multimorbidity than those who engage in only moderate activities. Conclusion Our study shows that physical inactivity has an association with the rise in multimorbidity in both rural and urban areas; however, the intensity of multimorbidity is higher in urban areas. The policymakers should consider the influence of moderate and vigorous physical activity as a key prevention measure of non-communicable disease and multimorbidity.