Mixed
High-level occupational physical activity is associated with an 18% increased risk of all-cause mortality in men compared to low-level occupational activity, a finding attributed to the 'physical activity paradox' where occupational demands differ detrimentally from leisure-time activity.
If your job involves heavy manual labor, standing for long periods, or repetitive strain, be aware that this specific type of activity may increase your long-term mortality risk compared to sedentary office work, even if you are physically fit. To mitigate this, prioritize leisure-time activities that focus on cardiovascular fitness and recovery, rather than just adding more physical exertion. Current general physical activity guidelines may not adequately protect those in physically demanding jobs.
Pooled results showed that male workers with high level occupational PA had a statistically significant higher mortality risk than those engaging in low level occupational PA (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.34, I2=76%)... These findings suggest that a PA paradox may exist in male workers, with high levels of occupational PA being associated with detrimental health consequences, in contrast with the existing evidence of beneficial health consequences with moderate and/or high level leisure time PA.
Why this rating
Meta-analysis of 17 prospective studies with 193,696 participants, mostly low risk of bias, though heterogeneity was high (I2=76%).
Source
Do highly physically active workers die early? A systematic review with meta-analysis of data from 193 696 participants
Pieter Coenen et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 2018
DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2017-098540
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