Differences in Physical Activity Patterns Based on Sex and Education Level

A recent comprehensive study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health sheds light on how physical activity and sedentary behaviors vary significantly across different populations, especially when considering sex and educational attainment. Conducted by researchers at Karolinska Institutet, the investigation highlights notable distinctions in daily activity routines among adults, revealing that these patterns are less influenced by the presence of chronic diseases.

The study involved analyzing data from nearly 28,000 participants in the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study cohort. Using accelerometers worn on the hip over seven days, researchers objectively measured levels of physical activity and sedentary time, and correlated these with health and demographic data.

Key findings indicate that women and individuals with a high school education tend to engage in approximately 30 minutes more light-intensity physical activities daily, such as walking or gardening, compared to men and those with university degrees. Interestingly, these same groups also spend about 30 minutes less each day in sedentary activities like sitting. These habits remained consistent regardless of whether participants had chronic diseases or multimorbidity.

However, the study identified that individuals with four or more chronic diseases are more likely to experience reduced physical activity and higher sedentary time. Advocates for targeted health promotion initiatives suggest that encouraging movement in workplace settings and among at-risk populations could be beneficial. Dr. Callum Regan emphasizes the importance of tailoring health strategies to specific demographic groups, especially those with multiple health conditions, to curb the impact of sedentary lifestyles and increase physical activity levels.

Looking forward, the researchers plan to explore further the context in which physical activity occurs, including leisure, work, and transportation, using self-reported measures. This deeper understanding aims to refine interventions and promote healthier behaviors across different sociodemographic groups.

This study provides valuable insights into behavioral patterns and paves the way for personalized approaches in promoting physical activity, ultimately helping to reduce the burden of chronic diseases and improve overall health outcomes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-physical-patterns-differ-sex.html