Determinants of Physical Activity and Health Outcomes

Physical activity is influenced by a complex interplay of individual, social, environmental and policy‐level factors that collectively shape behaviour and subsequent health outcomes. At the individual level, biological characteristics such as age, sex and genetic predispositions interact with psychological constructs including motivation, self‐efficacy and perceived barriers. Interpersonal influences encompass family support, peer networks and cultural norms that can either encourage or impede active lifestyles. The built environment—walkability, accessibility of recreational spaces and transport infrastructure—further modulates opportunities for movement, while socioeconomic variables such as education, income and occupational demands can restrict or broaden choices for exercise. Public policy and urban planning have a decisive role in creating equitable settings that promote active travel, safe neighbourhoods and school or workplace programmes. Robust measurement of physical activity and sedentary behaviour requires both self‐report instruments and device‐based methods, such as accelerometry, to capture intensity, frequency and duration of movement. Ample evidence links regular activity to reduced risk of non‐communicable diseases, improved mental health and enhanced functional capacity across the life course. Translational application of these insights has led to community interventions, workplace wellness schemes and policy directives that target modifiable determinants, demonstrating the global importance of integrated, multi‐level strategies to bolster physical activity and optimise health outcomes.

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Determinants of Physical Activity and Health Outcomes publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in determinants of physical activity and health outcomes across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Determinant: A factor or variable that influences the likelihood or extent of physical activity.

Sedentary behaviour: Any waking activity characterised by low energy expenditure while sitting or reclining.

Accelerometry: The use of wearable sensors to objectively measure movement intensity and duration.

Device-based measurement: Use of electronic instruments (e.g. pedometers, accelerometers) to record physical activity rather than relying on recall.

Umbrella review: A synthesis of multiple systematic reviews that summarises evidence on a broad topic.

References

1. DE-PASS Best Evidence Statement (BESt): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on the Effectiveness of Trials on Device-Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour and Their Determinants in Children Aged 5–12 Years. Sports Medicine (2024).
2. Can mobile-health applications contribute to long-term increase in physical activity after medical rehabilitation?–A pilot-study. PLOS Digital Health (2023).
3. Determinants of physical activity in community-dwelling older adults: an umbrella review. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (2023).