Dyadic associations of physical activity intensity with fertility-related quality of life in infertile couples: an APIM analysis.

Women in infertile couples reported significantly lower physical activity levels and fertility-related quality of life (FertiQoL) scores compared to men.

• Differences were statistically significant across all measured domains (all p < 0.05).
• The study included 364 infertile couples receiving ovulation induction treatment at a reproductive medicine center.
• This was a cross-sectional study design.
• Physical activity levels and FertiQoL were assessed using validated questionnaires.

Higher total physical activity (TPA) and most intensity levels were positively associated with multiple FertiQoL domains overall.

• Multivariable linear regression was used to examine overall associations between physical activity and FertiQoL domains.
• The positive association applied broadly across most intensity levels examined.
• The relationship was described as 'intensity-dependent' in nature.
• Both actor (own physical activity on own FertiQoL) and partner (spouse's physical activity on one's own FertiQoL) associations were examined using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM).

Husbands showed a significant actor association whereby higher light physical activity (LPA) was associated with better their own FertiQoL.

• β = 0.205, 95% CI: 0.076 to 0.335, p = 0.002.
• This was identified in the adjusted APIM analysis.
• The actor association means the individual's own physical activity level was associated with their own FertiQoL score.
• A significant actor association was not reported for wives in the abstract findings.

Wives' moderate physical activity (MPA) was positively associated with husbands' FertiQoL, representing a significant partner effect.

• β = 0.150, 95% CI: 0.024 to 0.277, p = 0.021.
• This is a partner association, meaning one spouse's behavior was associated with the other spouse's quality of life outcome.
• This finding was identified using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM).
• The effect was described as 'intensity-specific' and part of 'distinct intensity-dependent partner effects.'

Wives' vigorous physical activity (VPA) was negatively associated with husbands' FertiQoL, representing an opposing partner effect compared to moderate activity.

• β = -0.184, 95% CI: -0.307 to -0.061, p = 0.004.
• This negative partner effect contrasts directly with the positive partner effect observed for wives' moderate physical activity.
• The opposing directions of MPA and VPA partner effects demonstrate the intensity-dependent nature of the dyadic association.
• No reciprocal partner effects of husbands' physical activity on wives' FertiQoL were reported as significant in the abstract.

The study found that dyadic interdependence exists in physical activity and FertiQoL associations among infertile couples, with the partner effects being asymmetric between spouses.

• Wives' physical activity exerted intensity-specific effects on husbands' FertiQoL but not vice versa based on reported findings.
• The APIM framework was specifically applied to account for the non-independence of couple-level data.
• The sample comprised 364 couples (728 individuals) undergoing ART treatment.
• The authors conclude these findings 'highlight the importance of considering couple-level lifestyle behaviors in infertility care.'