The Relationship Between Physical Activity and the Work Ability Index of Nurses Working in a Hospital in Isfahan Province, Iran; [طابتراتیلاعفیکیزیفوصخاشییاناوتراکناراتسرپلغاشردیکیزایاهناتسرامیبناتساناهفصا] Publisher



Rastimehr M ; Kazemi Z ; Mazloumi A
Source: Journal of Health System Research Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Nurses are under very high stress, which can ultimately affect their work ability. One of the aspects affecting poor work ability is the level of physical activity. Considering the importance of the nursing job, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the level of physical activity and poor work ability among nurses in one of the hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical study conducted over 6 months. The Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire was used to evaluate work ability, and the International Physical Activity Level (IPAQ) questionnaire was used to evaluate physical activity. First, 100 nurses were randomly selected, and then SPSS software was used to analyze the data using descriptive and analytical tests. Findings: In this study, 31%, 42%, and 27% of the participants had weak, moderate, and intense physical activity, and 45%, 32%, 16%, and 7% of the participants had moderate, good, excellent, and poor work ability, respectively. The results showed that there was a positive and significant correlation between physical activity and WAI (r = 0.677, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this research, the statistical population of the study was in the middle group in terms of WAI and at the middle level in terms of physical activity level. Considering the existence of a relationship between these two components, intervention programs to improve the WAI should be prioritized. © 2026, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.