Many patients and clients tell me, ‘I’m active at work’. But is that enough to stay healthy?

Growing research suggests that a physical activity paradox exists: physical activity at work and physical activity for leisure have opposite effects on pain and health.

For instance, in a 2025 cross-sectional study of adults, researchers found that:

1.        More leisure time physical activity (e.g. running, lifting weights, playing sport) 🏃 was associated with lower odds of persistent pain and lower number of pain sites 😊

2.        More occupational physical activity (e.g. handling of heavy loads, repetitive work, long periods of static or awkward postures) 👷 was associated with higher odds of persistent pain and higher number of pain sites 😔

How could we explain this?

·        Leisure time physical activity 🏃 typically involves relatively short duration and high intensity with ample opportunities for rest.

·        Occupational physical activity 👷 typically involves longer durations and lower intensity. Excessive work demands combined with low levels of influence and control may increase psychological stress that predisposes a person to pain.

·        So, even if the activity is similar, the context of the activity can be different. Are you being active because you have to or because you want to?

·        Being a cross-sectional study, it’s important to remember that correlation doesn’t always mean causation; for example, reverse causality is a possibility – persistent pain could limit how active a person is at work and for leisure. More research is needed.

TL;DR: Even if your job keeps you moving, I’d still encourage you to find an activity you enjoy doing outside of work and can do consistently. Being active outside of work may be more beneficial than being active at work.

As always, consult with a trusted health professional for advice specific to you.

Yours in science,
Nick

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References

1. Johansson et al. (2025) (PMID: 40594213)
2. Photo by <a href="https://stockcake.com/i/construction-worker-working_1007954_824814">Stockcake</a>