Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity reduces hyperuricemia risk: PLOS ONE

A recent study published in the Public Library of Science highlighted the complex relationship between physical activity and hyperuricemia (HUA) which is a condition characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, which is a precursor to gout. While the relationship between physical activity and HUA has been inconsistent in past studies, this research was carried out to clarify the dose-response association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and HUA by offering insights into optimal activity levels for prevention.

The study utilized data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanned from 2007 to 2018 and included a robust sample of 28,740 non-gout adult Americans. The participants self-reported their physical activity levels using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, while their serum uric acid levels were measured using a timed endpoint method. This study applied restricted cubic spline analysis to model the dose-response relationship between MVPA and HUA. Logistic regression analysis was employed to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the relationships between different MVPA levels and HUA risk.

The analysis revealed a U-shaped relationship between MVPA levels and the risk of HUA. Also, the participants with MVPA levels between 933 and 3423 metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes per week expressed a lower risk of developing HUA. Within this range, the risk was lowest at approximately 1556 MET-minutes per week. Further, the individuals with low activity levels (< 600 MET-minutes per week) had a higher risk of HUA, with an OR of 1.13 (95% CI, 1.02–1.26) when compared to the moderate activity group (600–2999 MET-minutes per week).

These findings suggest that maintaining a certain level of physical activity could be beneficial in preventing hyperuricemia. Also, engaging in MVPA within the range of 933 to 3423 MET-minutes per week appears to be optimal, with the lowest risk of HUA observed around 1556 MET-minutes per week. This translates to approximately 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, which aligns with the general physical activity guidelines for adults.

The U-shaped curve indicates that both insufficient and excessive physical activity could be associated with higher risks of HUA that highlights the importance of a balanced approach to exercise. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights into the prevention of hyperuricemia through physical activity. For individuals who want to reduce their risk of HUA, engaging in moderate levels of physical activity appears to be key.

Source:

Zeng, X., Huang, J., Shen, T., Xu, Y., Yan, X., Li, Q., Li, Y., Xing, X., Chen, Q., & Yang, W. (2024). Nonlinear dose-response association of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with hyperuricemia in US adults: NHANES 2007–2018. In Y. Nishida (Ed.), PLOS ONE (Vol. 19, Issue 5, p. e0302410). Public Library of Science (PLoS). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0302410