Nijmegen Exercise Study: a longitudinal data collection on lifestyle characteristics and chronic diseases in a population-based cohort including highly physically active individuals.

This Data Sharing Collection (DSC) contains datasets based on the Nijmegen Exercise Study (NES). The NES provides a comprehensive, longitudinal data collection on lifestyle characteristics and chronic diseases in a population-based cohort including highly physically active individuals. Physical activity is known to reduce the risk of many non-communicable diseases (e.g. cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and dementia). In addition, exercise is an effective therapy in the treatment of a wide range of chronic diseases. Previous research on physical activity often has limitations, such as single measurements or an underrepresentation of highly active individuals. The Nijmegen Exercise Study (NES) provides a comprehensive, longitudinal collection of data on lifestyle characteristics and chronic diseases in a population-based cohort including highly physically active individuals.