ALCOHOL-CONSUMPTION AND PHYSICAL-FITNESS AMONG YOUNG-ADULTS

The relationship between alcohol consumption and physical fitness was analyzed using data from the baseline examination of the Coronary Arte ry Disease Risk Development In Young Adults study (CARDIA), a longitud inal study of the evolution of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Black and White men and women aged 18-30 years. Two parameters of submaximal exercise treadmill testing were evaluated: time to heart ra te 130 and duration of the treadmill test. In men and women qualified for treadmill testing, time to reach heart rate 130 was positively ass ociated with ethanol intake, The relationship between fitness and etha nol intake persisted in sex-specific analysis after adjustment for age , ethnicity, systolic blood pressure, sum of subscapular and triceps s kinfolds, and physical activity level. The magnitude and strength of t he relationship were greater in women than in men. A negative interact ion between ethanol intake and smoking status was evident. Linear regr ession co-efficients in men were 0.29 sec to heart rate 130/ml ethanol /day in nonsmokers and -0.06 sec to heart rate 130/ml ethanol/day in s mokers. Linear regression coefficients in women were 1.07 sec to heart rate 130/ml ethanol/day in nonsmokers and 0.23 sec to heart rate 130/ ml ethanol/day in smokers. Men and women who smoked showed 31 sec long er time to heart rate 130, regardless of ethanol intake, Mean daily et hanol intake was positively associated with duration of treadmill test ing in women, but weakly associated with duration in men, These result s show increased physical fitness as ethanol intake increased in women and nonsmoking men and mildly decreased physical fitness as ethanol c onsumption increases among men who smoke. The positive association of physical activity with ethanol intake among nonsmokers combined with d ownregulation of beta-adrenergic receptors in smokers may partially ex plain these results. Physical activity levels increase as ethanol cons umption increases in nonsmokers, whereas smokers have a constant physi cal activity level. This alcohol-fitness relationship may change as ph ysical activity levels decline with age or as the association of ethan ol with physical activity changes.