Physical Activity Levels and Musculoskeletal Health Among Health Science Academicians at Istanbul Aydin University

Overview

This study aims to investigate the relationship between physical activity levels and posture, sleep quality, depression, and musculoskeletal system problems among academic staff working in the health sciences field at Istanbul Aydın University. Modern technological developments and sedentary work patterns have significantly reduced daily physical activity levels. Academic personnel often spend long hours sitting, preparing lectures, conducting research, and using computers, which may negatively affect posture and increase the risk of musculoskeletal pain. Reduced physical activity has also been associated with poor sleep quality and increased depressive symptoms. This cross-sectional study will include academic staff aged 23-65 years working in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Participation will be voluntary. Data will be collected using a sociodemographic information form and validated assessment tools, including the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ), New York Posture Rating Chart, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The primary objective is to evaluate whether physical activity levels are associated with posture, sleep quality, depression levels, and musculoskeletal complaints. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of preventive strategies aimed at improving occupational health, well-being, and quality of life among academic personnel.

This study is designed as a cross-sectional, quantitative observational study conducted at Istanbul Aydın University. The target population consists of academic staff working in the Faculty of Health Sciences between the ages of 23 and 65 years. Participation will be voluntary, and written informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to data collection. Sociodemographic variables including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), educational level, weekly working hours, years of professional experience, smoking status, and caffeine consumption will be recorded. Physical activity levels will be assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Total metabolic equivalent (MET) scores will be calculated according to standardized scoring procedures, and participants will be categorized into low, moderate, and high physical activity levels. Postural assessment will be performed using the New York Posture Rating Chart. Sleep quality will be evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), where higher total scores indicate poorer sleep quality. Depressive symptoms will be measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Musculoskeletal complaints will be assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, which evaluates the presence of pain in different body regions. Statistical analyses will be performed using IBM SPSS software. Normality of data distribution will be assessed using appropriate tests. Parametric or non-parametric tests will be applied accordingly, including independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis, chi-square test, and regression analysis where appropriate. Statistical significance will be set at p \< 0.05. The study aims to identify potential associations between physical activity levels and posture, sleep quality, depression, and musculoskeletal problems, thereby contributing to occupational health research and the development of preventive health strategies for academic staff.