Physical Activity

Being physically active is one of the most important steps that everyone can take to improve their health. The NIH supports research on physical activity, including studies related to measurement and methods, interventions to increase physical activity, and observational studies designed to explore how physical activity is associated with health.​

Resources for Researchers

Explore databases and tools for physical activity research.

Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition

Science-based guidance to help Americans age 3 and older maintain or improve their health through regular physical activity.

Interactive Diet and Activity Tracking in AARP (IDATA)

A biomarker validation study of Internet-based and conventional self-reports for assessing diet and physical activity.

Measures Registry User Guides

User guides to help researchers select measures for studies in obesity among youth, including an overview of measurement, principles of measurement selection, case studies, and resources.

Move Your Way® Community Resources

A variety of free implementation resources for the Move Your Way campaign, which aims to help people live healthier lives through increased physical activity.

Funding

Interested in funding opportunities or planning to submit an application in physical activity research? Use these tools to find what you need:

NIH Institutes/Centers and Federal Partner Activities

Many NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) actively engage in and support physical activity research and may be helpful starting points as you plan your research or if you’re exploring the latest work in a specific area. Because ICs may have several ongoing physical activity programs and projects, we encourage you to use the links provided to find the most up-to-date information.