Can establish cause and effect. Through the use of this study design, investigators are able to determine if physical inactivity lead to the disease or health outcome of interest.

Can directly measure the development of disease or condition of interest in both those who do and do not participate in physical activity.

Not a good study design for studying rare diseases or conditions because the investigators have to wait for individuals to develop the disease or condition of interest.

Can be costly and time-consuming

Often requires a large sample size to ensure that enough study participants will develop the disease or outcome of interest during the course of the study.

This study design is subject to participants dropping out or being loss to follow-up (can’t be found) because of the lengthy study time.