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

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.

Inclusion criteria

• Academicians working in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Istanbul Aydın University
• Aged between 23 and 65 years
• At least 1 year of academic experience
• Voluntary agreement to participate and signed informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia)
• Pregnancy
• Use of antipsychotic medication
• History of recent trauma or surgical operation within the last year
• Severe musculoskeletal disorders requiring medical or surgical treatment (e.g., advanced scoliosis or kyphosis)