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A cross-sectional study provides an instantaneous picture of the relationship between the disease or condition of interest and physical activity levels at one point in time.

PROS:

Quick

Easy

Cheap

CONS:

An association does not prove causality. Therefore, with this study design, we cannot get information about whether physical inactivity caused the disease or the disease caused the physical inactivity.

It is not possible to assess what effect changing the level of physical activity participation would have on the disease or condition of interest.

Recommended Reading:

Gordis L (2000). Epidemiology (2nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company.