BACKGROUND: Many interventions promoting physical activity (PA) have proven effective in reducing the incidence of disease but less is known regarding health-related quality of life (HRQL) and its relation with PA level in the general population. Most conceptualizations of HRQL encompass physical, emotional, and social components. The primary objective of this study was to systematically review data examining the relationship between PA level and HRQL among healthy subjects from the general adult population.
METHODS: We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO for HRQL and PA related keywords in titles, abstracts, or indexing fields. We additionally searched reference linkages through the Web of Science Database. All references were screened by two independent assessors on the basis of title and abstract, for possible inclusion. Observational designs were considered, provided that they reported the association between PA level and HRQL. Eligible participants consisted of healthy adults (aged 15 and older) drawn from the general population. Studies were assessed in full text for inclusion if they were retained by at least one of the reviewers. One of the authors extracted data from included studies. A second author checked and edited all entries for accuracy and consistency. All disagreements were reconciled in consultation with the third team member.