Marruganti C et al.

This study aimed to compare the relationship between two types of physical activities - leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and occupational physical activity (OPA) - and periodontitis. LTPA was described as "bodily movements performed during free time and not required as part of the essential activies of the daily living"; examples are sports, exercising, and recreational walking. OPA, on the other hand, referred to "bodily movements as part of the subject's professional tasks", such as lifting heavy loads, construction work, and household chores.

The results presented high LTPA as a protective indicator for periodontitis, while high OPA meant a higher association with the disease. According to the study, individuals presenting low LTPA and high OPA have the highest risk for periodontitis. 

The positive impact of LTPA might be explained by the effect on the level of systemic inflammation. Although OPA was adjusted for socioeconomic status as possible confounder, the results should be viewed with caution since more detailed information that might impact the results was not available.