Physical Activity of ≥7.5 MET-h/Week Is Significantly Associated with a Decreased Risk of Cervical Neoplasia

• Published in: Healthcare (Basel) 2020-09, Vol.8 (3), p.260
• Main Authors: Chang, Ching Wen, Yang, Shun-Fa, Gordon, Christopher J., Liao, Wen Chun, Niu, Shu Fen, Wang, Cheng Wei, Tsai, Hsiu Ting
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cervical cancer; cervical neoplasia; Exercise; Health aspects; human papillomavirus (HPV); leisure-time physical activity; metabolic equivalent of task–hours per week (MET-h/week); Prevention; Risk factors
• ISSN: 2227-9032; 2227-9032
• DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8030260

Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant neoplasms worldwide. We investigated whether leisure-time physical activity is sufficient to decrease the cervical neoplasia risk and provide suggested guidance of metabolic equivalents of task–hours per week (MET-h/week) spent on leisure-time physical activity to prevent cervical neoplasia. Ultimately, 433 participants, including 126 participants with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia I or higher disease (≥CIN 1) and 307 healthy controls, were recruited. All participants completed a standardized questionnaire about leisure-time physical activity engagement (MET-h/week) and a general health questionnaire and had cervical specimens taken to detect human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. CIN 1 staging was identified from the specimens. Participants with physical activity of ≥3.75 MET-h/week had a significantly lower CIN risk compared to those with physical activity of