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Updated: May 30, 2026
05:59
Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Employment and physical activity in the U.S
Dane R Van Domelen1, Annemarie Koster, Paolo Caserotti
1Laboratory of Epidemiology, Demography, and Biometry, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|July 20, 2011
Summary
Full-time employment boosts physical activity in men, regardless of job type. However, women in sedentary jobs may be less active than non-workers. Job type significantly impacts daily activity levels for both genders.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Occupational Health
- Physical Activity Research
Background:
- Physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for chronic diseases globally.
- Workplace time constitutes a substantial portion of daily life for employed individuals.
- Understanding the impact of employment on physical activity is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between employment status (full-time, part-time, unemployed) and job type (active vs. sedentary) and daily physical activity levels in American adults.
- To differentiate physical activity patterns based on gender and employment characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004.
- Included 1826 adults aged 20-60 years with at least 4 days of physical activity monitoring.
- Measured physical activity using Actigraph uniaxial accelerometers, analyzing variables like counts/minute and time spent at different intensities.
Main Results:
- Full-time male workers exhibited higher physical activity levels than non-workers.
- Even men in sedentary jobs showed increased activity and reduced sedentary time compared to non-workers on weekdays.
- Women in full-time sedentary jobs displayed increased sedentary time and lower light/lifestyle activity on weekdays compared to non-workers.
- Active jobs were associated with significantly greater weekday physical activity in both men and women compared to sedentary jobs.
Conclusions:
- Full-time employment is positively associated with physical activity in men, even in sedentary roles, when compared to not working.
- Job type plays a critical role in determining daily physical activity levels for both men and women.
- Findings suggest targeted workplace interventions may be necessary to promote physical activity, especially for women in sedentary occupations.
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