381c - The Physical Activity Health Paradox: Is physical activity at work health enhancing?

Emerging evidence has suggested a ‘Physical Activity Health Paradox’ where occupational physical activity may be harmful for cardiovascular health which is in contrast to the health enhancing effects of physical activity during leisure time. Such a paradox would have significant implications for physical activity recommendations, surveillance, research, and workplace health promotion practices, especially for workers accumulating high amounts of physical activity at work. This talk will deliver the state of the science on the physical activity health paradox, highlight existing research gaps, and discuss implications for future research and practice. Specific discussion will include an overview of the foundational epidemiological evidence suggesting paradoxical cardiovascular health risks from occupational physical activity as well as discuss hypotheses and supporting empirical evidence on explanatory physiological mechanisms. The talk will conclude by highlighting the implications on workplace health practice, research, surveillance, and guidelines.