Relationship between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) ambient air pollution exposure to cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness in adults from MEDELLIN cohort study, 2022-2023

BackgroundAir pollution caused by fine particles has been recognized as a significant environmental risk factor. Over the past two decades, there has been a substantial increase in evidence on the impact of air pollutants on mortality and morbidity in vulnerable groups, such as children under 5 years of age, people over 60 years of age, and people with comorbidities, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. However, most studies have focused on nosologically identified respiratory and cardiovascular events. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between PM2.5 ambient air pollution exposure and -physical fitness (PF), an attribute that determines an individua[l]s physical performance and general health, in adults from Medellin, Colombia. MethodsA cross-sectional nested cohort study was conducted to establish exposure to PM2.5 by each participants residence address. Physical fitness was assessed using the Dundee step test, sit-to-stand muscle power test, and grip strength. Multiple linear regression models adjusted for personal medical history were constructed to evaluate the study relationship. Results320 participants were included, with an average age of 60 {+/-} 8.7 years and an annual PM2.5 ambient air pollution of 18.9 {+/-} 1.75 {micro}g/m3. People with PM2.5 exposures above the 75th percentile showed greater use of the heart rate reserve ({beta} coefficient= 7.11; 95%CI 1.11-13.12) and better relative muscle power ({beta} coefficient= 0.50; 95%CI 0.23). -0.77) and grip strength ({beta} coefficient= 3.59; 95%CI 1.63-5.56). ConclusionsThis is the first study to explore the relationship between ambient PM2.5 ambient air pollution and cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness in a Latin American city. Our results indicate that people with greater exposure to PM2.5 have worse cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and better muscular fitness (MF). Key pointsPhysical fitness determines an individuals physical performance and general health status and includes indicators for establishing a cardiovascular baseline. Prolonged exposure to air pollution negatively affects cardiovascular health. However, few studies have analyzed physical fitness indicators in relation to this environmental risk factor, and none have been conducted in the Latin American population. It was established that people with higher exposure to PM2.5 ambient air pollution at their residence address had worse cardiorespiratory fitness.