Monitoring Physical Activity Levels of Women and Men, North Khorasan Province

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Kosar University of Bojnord, Bojnord, Iran

2 Department of Sports Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Zabol University, Zabol, Iran.

3 M.Sc. in Physical Education, General Directorate of Sport and Youth of North Khorasan Province, Bojnord, Iran.

10.22080/jaep.2026.31387.2249

Abstract

Objectives: Obesity and physical inactivity are among the most important public health challenges worldwide and in Iran and are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases. Evidence indicates that physical activity levels among adults, particularly women, are below the recommendations of the World Health Organization. Considering gender differences and the socio-cultural context of North Khorasan Province, monitoring physical activity in this region appears essential.
Methods: This applied, descriptive–analytical study was conducted using a cross-sectional design. The study population included women and men aged 18 years and older residing in North Khorasan Province, who were selected through multistage random sampling (n = 385). Data were collected using the long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test in SPSS software.
Results: In both genders, the highest levels of physical activity were observed in the work and transportation domains. Men were significantly more active than women in moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activities, particularly in the work domain (p ≤ 0.05), whereas women accounted for a greater proportion of light-intensity and household activities. The primary gender difference was observed in the intensity of physical activity (p ≤ 0.05).
Conclusion: The findings indicate low levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, especially among women. Therefore, the development of culturally and socially tailored interventions based on local conditions is necessary to promote physical activity in this province

Keywords

Journal of Applied Exercise Physiology
Volume 21, Issue 42
December 2025
Pages 79-92

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History

  • Receive Date: 24 February 2026
  • Revise Date: 22 May 2026
  • Accept Date: 26 May 2026

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