Context Matters: The Importance of Physical Activity Domains for Public Health

Abstract

Physical activity can be performed across several domains, including leisure, occupation, household, and transportation, but physical activity research, measurement, and surveillance have historically been focused on leisure-time physical activity. Emerging evidence suggests differential health effects across these domains. In particular, occupational physical activity may be associated with adverse health outcomes. We argue that to adequately consider and evaluate such impacts, physical activity researchers and public health practitioners engaging in measurement, surveillance, and guideline creation should measure and consider all relevant physical activity domains where possible. We describe why physical activity science is often limited to the leisure-time domain and provide a rationale for expanding research and public health efforts to include all physical activity domains.