Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
1. Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran
2
Assistant Professor of Physical Education Department, K. N Tousi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
3
Department of Physical Education, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
4
Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, Islamshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr, Iran
5
Associate Professor, Department of Physical Education, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.
10.22089/mbj.2025.16861.2165
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Background and Purpose
Physical activity plays a vital role in maintaining overall health, well-being, and a healthy lifestyle (1). In adults, regular physical activity improves coordination, reduces the risk of falls, decreases social isolation, and strengthens social connections. The most effective strategy for health maintenance and prevention of non-communicable diseases—such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, diabetes, and cancers—is engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity, commonly defined as health-oriented exercise (4). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends for adults and older adults a minimum of 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, or an equivalent combination, alongside muscle-strengthening exercises on at least two days per week (5). Nevertheless, modern lifestyles have fostered sedentary behaviors evident across all age groups, from childhood to old age. Approximately one-third of the global population fails to meet WHO physical activity guidelines, with inactivity rates notably higher in high-income countries and among older populations (19). In Iran, studies have reported relatively low physical activity levels among adults and elderly individuals (21). However, most prior research has focused on general physical activity rather than health-oriented physical activity specifying moderate to vigorous intensities. This study aimed to investigate and compare health-oriented physical activity and sedentary behaviors among adults and elderly populations in Iran, with particular focus on gender-related differences.
Materials and Methods
This applied research adopts a descriptive-comparative methodology. The sample comprised 768 participants—384 adults (192 men, 192 women) and 384 elderly (192 men, 192 women)—selected via convenience sampling from the cities of Bandar Torkaman, Gorgan, Aliabad Katul, Gonbad, and Kalaleh. Physical activity levels over the previous week were assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), which captures multiple activity domains, including occupational tasks, transportation, household chores, and leisure activities, quantifying vigorous, moderate, and light intensity activity. Individual activity levels were initially quantified using metabolic equivalent (MET) values, then classified into vigorous, moderate, or light categories accordingly. Descriptive statistics including mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage were used to characterize variables. Normality was evaluated with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. One-sample t-tests assessed differences in health-oriented physical activity relative to WHO standards. Independent t-tests evaluated gender differences in demographic variables, and Chi-square tests analyzed gender differences in physical activity categories. The significance threshold was set at 0.05.
Findings
As shown in Table 1, among adults, 20% of men and 14% of women engaged in vigorous physical activity, with men significantly more active than women (p<0.001). For moderate activity, 28% of men and 21% of women participated, again with males significantly exceeding females (p<0.001). Conversely, 52% of men and 65% of women engaged in light physical activity, with females significantly more active in this intensity (p<0.001). Among the elderly, only 6% of men and 4% of women performed vigorous activity, with no significant gender difference detected (p>0.05). Moderate activity involved 39% of men and 29% of women, with men significantly more active (p<0.001). Light physical activity was reported by 55% of men and 67% of women, with females engaging significantly more (p<0.001). Comparisons between age groups revealed that adults exhibited significantly higher levels of vigorous (t=25.473, p<0.001), moderate (t=19.257, p<0.001), and light (t=7.660, p<0.001) physical activity relative to elderly individuals. Additionally, adults demonstrated significantly lower sedentary durations than the elderly population (t=38.143, p<0.001).
Conclusion
Less than half of adults and elderly individuals engage in health-oriented physical activity, indicating a generally low level of participation within Golestan Province. This finding is consistent with prior studies (17,25) reporting limited engagement in health-focused exercise among these populations. One possible explanation is that adulthood and aging involve substantially increased life responsibilities relative to childhood, imposing greater cognitive demands that constrain time available for leisure activities, including exercise (13,18). Additional barriers to participation among adults and elderly include time limitations due to work or educational commitments, lack of motivation, age-related beliefs such as "I am too old," and the presence of injuries or chronic illnesses. Physical ailments that cause discomfort during movement—such as obesity, back pain, or chronic fatigue—also represent significant impediments to regular physical activity. Moreover, a pronounced gender disparity exists, with men demonstrating higher participation levels in health-oriented physical activities than women. This observation aligns with earlier research (19,23) showing consistently greater male involvement in physical activity. Factors underlying lower female participation may include inadequate access to women’s sports facilities, socio-cultural constraints, and safety concerns related to engaging in physical activities in public spaces (29).
Article Message
This study assessed health-oriented physical activity among adults and elderly populations in Golestan Province, Iran, revealing a notable deficiency, with fewer than half meeting recommended activity standards. Adults exhibit higher activity levels compared to the elderly, and men consistently outperform women in moderate and vigorous physical activity. These findings underscore the urgent necessity for targeted interventions to promote health-oriented physical activity, particularly focusing on increasing participation among elderly individuals and women, to combat sedentary lifestyles and improve public health outcomes in the region.
Ethical Considerations
The study was conducted in full compliance with applicable research ethics standards.
Authors’ Contributions
Conceptualization: Zahra Alam, Zahra Chaharbaghi
Data Collection: Zahra Chaharbaghi, Ali Sadeghian, Sholeh Khodadad Kashi
Data Analysis: Amir Dana, Zahra Chaharbaghi
Manuscript Writing: Sholeh Khodadad Kashi, Zahra Alam, Zahra Chaharbaghi
Review and Editing: Amir Dana, Zahra Alam
Literature Review: Sholeh Khodadad Kashi, Ali Sadeghian
Project Management: Zahra Chaharbaghi
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding this article.
Acknowledgments
The authors sincerely thank all participants for their invaluable contributions to this research.
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