Occupational Physical Activity and Blood Pressure: The Role of Leisure Time Physical Activity and Sex Differences

This study examined the association between occupational physical activity (OPA) and blood pressure (BP), with particular emphasis on sex differences and the moderating role of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). Elucidating these relationships may support the development of tailored BP management strategies within occupational health contexts.

A total of 3,909 adults from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included in the analysis. Propensity score matching was employed to balance covariates between groups. Linear regression analyses were conducted to examine interactions between OPA and both systolic and diastolic BP, accounting for sex differences and LTPA levels.

Among males with insufficient LTPA, OPA was significantly associated with higher systolic BP (β = 1.944, P = 0.004). In contrast, no significant association was observed in males with sufficient LTPA. Among females, OPA was significantly associated with lower systolic BP (β = -1.133, P = 0.048), regardless of LTPA status. No significant associations were found between OPA and diastolic BP in either sex.

The findings reveal sex-specific associations between OPA and BP. In males, OPA was linked to elevated systolic BP in the absence of sufficient LTPA, whereas in females, OPA was associated with lower systolic BP irrespective of LTPA levels. These results suggest a potential protective effect of OPA on systolic BP in females and underscore the need to consider sex, OPA, and LTPA collectively when developing BP management strategies.