Effects of Recreational Exercise on Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Use: A Comprehensive Analysis of the NHANES Database
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: This study examines whether recreational physical activity can reduce NSAID use among adults. While NSAIDs effectively manage pain, they carry risks like gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects. Exercise, known for its anti-inflammatory effects, offers a non-pharmacological alternative. Physical activity reduces inflammation through anti-inflammatory cytokines, and lower visceral fat, and immune support, suggesting it may reduce NSAID need. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis used 2017-2018 NHANES data, representing the U.S. population, including 5,145 adults with complete NSAID use and recreational physical activity data. Statistical analysis with STATA 18.5 applied univariate and logistic regression modeling to assess associations between recreational exercise (moderate, vigorous, or both) and NSAID use. Confounders, including age, gender, BMI, arthritis, and trouble sleeping, were adjusted in the final model. Key Findings: Participants engaging in both moderate and vigorous exercise had significantly lower odds of NSAID use (OR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.78). Conversely, arthritis (OR 3.89, 95% CI: 2.83, 5.34) and at least one comorbidity (OR 1.75, 95% CI: 1.15, 2.65) were linked to higher NSAID use Implications and Conclusion: This study highlights regular moderate and vigorous exercise as a viable non-pharmacological strategy to reduce NSAID use and associated health risks. Recognizing factors like arthritis and sleep quality that influence NSAID use helps improve pain management strategies, with exercise as a beneficial addition. Further research should explore exercise types and lasting effects on NSAID reduction.
Authors: Maham Safarat Kirmani, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Francisco Marroquín, Guatemala, Guatemala, Carlos Alberto Narvaez Gaitan, Maria-Antonia Pelaez, Ana Gabriela Claros Ospina, Danielle Magalhães, Tjjasvi Dwivedi, Jonathan Isai Cazares Gonzalez, Julia Cristhina Monteiro Klock, Maria Victioria Wolf, Belissa Zaiek, Fátima Lucia Nuñez Sanz, Radja Messai Badji, Renata Drummond, Sumia Ahmed, Raphael Gracindo, Arthur Lopes, Maria Camila Ayala Peña, Julia Souza, Lionete Filha, Montserrat Guraieb-Trueba, Arthur Segurado, Elisa Gabrielli, João Ribeiro, Marco A. López Cáceres, Bruno Bodanese, Miguel Urina-Triana
Institutions: Harvard University, Universidad Simón Bolívar
Language: English
Topic: Physical Activity and Health
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4409602949