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Occupational Physical Activity and Mortality Risk: Evidence From a Nationally Representative US Sample (National
Tyler D Quinn1, William R Boyer2
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, West Virginia University School of Public Health, Morgantown, WV, USA.
Journal of Physical Activity & Health
|November 3, 2025
Summary
Occupational physical activity (OPA) may increase health risks, unlike leisure-time activity. Higher OPA levels are linked to increased mortality, particularly from cardiovascular disease (CVD), highlighting the need for workplace interventions.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Public health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is linked to health benefits.
- Occupational physical activity (OPA) may paradoxically increase health risks.
- This study investigates the association between OPA and mortality in a US population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between occupational physical activity (OPA) levels and all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.
- To identify specific populations at higher risk from OPA.
- To inform the development of targeted workplace interventions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 8041 full-time workers in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2006), linked to the National Death Index (up to 2019).
- Occupations were categorized by self-reported OPA levels (low, moderate, high).
- Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for mortality, controlling for various demographic, behavioral, and health factors. Effect modification was examined.
Main Results:
- Moderate OPA was associated with higher all-cause mortality (aHR=1.24) compared to low OPA.
- Moderate and high OPA were associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality (aHR=1.79 and aHR=1.71, respectively).
- Specific subgroups, including younger adults (≤44 years), females, never smokers, those with some college education, and individuals meeting LTPA guidelines, showed significantly higher mortality risks with increased OPA.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the 'physical activity health paradox,' where higher occupational physical activity is linked to increased mortality, especially from CVD.
- These results emphasize the critical need for workplace interventions to mitigate health risks associated with OPA.
- Targeted strategies are particularly important for vulnerable populations identified in the study.
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