Objectives: Insufficient physical activity (PA) has long been a global health issue, and a number of studies have explored correlates of PA to identify the mechanisms underlying inactive lifestyles. In the literature, dozens of correlates have been identified at different (e.g., individual, environmental) levels, but there is little or no direct evidence for the mutual associations of these correlates. This study analysed 44 variables identified as theoretically and empirically relevant for PA to clarify the factors directly and indirectly associated with PA. Methods: A cross–sectional survey dataset of 19,005 Japanese-speaking adults (mean age = 53.50 years, SD = 17.40; 9,706 women) was analysed. The data encompassed demographic and anthropometric variables; self–reported PA levels; perceived social support and environments (e.g., awareness of urban facilities for PA); psychological traits and health–behaviour characteristics (e.g., personality, motivation, self–efficacy, decisional balance, process of change strategies); and technology use (e.g., mobile health apps). Results: Network analyses were performed to select meaningful associations (partial correlations) among variables, which identified nine variables directly positively associated with PA: job/employment status, self–efficacy, perceived social support, intrinsic motivation, stage of change, counter conditioning, self–reevaluation, environment, and technology use. Indirect associations (two–step neighbourhood) were identified for 40 (out of 44) variables, implying that most of the knwon PA–correlates are associated with PA—at least indirectly. Conclusion: Direct association with PA was identified for variables specified at different (individual–environmental) levels. The estimated mediation relationships echo the significance of the multilevel perspective in understanding how people maintain (in)active lifestyles.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

This study did not receive any funding

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The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (Approval ID:2022-1279).

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Data cannot be shared publicly because consent for data sharing was not obtained from each participant. Data is available from the corresponding author for researchers who meet the criteria for access to confidential data, which is granted by the ethics committee of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology.