Life course research in physical activity: Pathway to Global Action Plan 2030

Current global trends in physical activity levels demonstrate that the world is not on track to achieve the 2030 target set by the Global Action Plan. The Action Plan posited that physical activity should be an integral component of daily lives of all individuals across the life course. Potential contributions to achieve global physical activity goals include the utilization of compositional data analysis and life course epidemiology to provide a framework for the composite nature of physical activity and complex life course relationships. Combining these two traditionally disconnected fields represents a paradigm shift in physical activity research. Here, we discuss how these combined fields enable a reinterpretation of previous research findings and explore their impact on policy and potential advantages and challenges. Careful consideration needs to be given to the implications of both fields remaining disconnected and the alternate option of consolidation to realize ambitions.

Automated summary

Current global trends in physical activity levels indicate the lack of progress towards achieving the 2030 target set by the Global Action Plan. Compositional data analysis and life course epidemiology provide potential frameworks for understanding the complexity of physical activity and its relationship with life course factors. Combining these fields represents a paradigm shift in physical activity research with potential impacts on policy and both advantages and challenges. The implications of maintaining the disconnect between these fields versus consolidating them should be carefully considered.