The dominance of leisure-time physical activity research: implications for health inequalities

Physical activity research has substantially advanced our understanding of health benefits, yet it remains dominated by a narrow focus on leisure-time physical activity. This focus overlooks diverse physical activity practices in other domains and systematically misrepresents the experiences of low socioeconomic status groups. Methodological biases, including participant selection and physical activity assessment tools, further limit representativeness and weaken external validity, which contribute to epistemic injustice and persistent social health inequalities. This paper critically examines the conceptual, methodological, and ethical challenges in physical activity research that sustain inequities and argues for more inclusive, context-sensitive approaches. Adopting such approaches is essential for equitable health outcomes and to avoid reinforcing existing disparities through physical activity science.