Identifying problems and challenges in the field of sports health, formulating policies and management strategies, and providing solutions to improve sports health with the aim of disease prevention
Abstract
Sports health has been recognized as a priority in health and social policy planning due to its direct impact on reducing healthcare costs, improving quality of life, and enhancing the economic performance of societies. The high costs associated with treating chronic diseases—which account for a significant portion of national healthcare budgets—can be significantly reduced through increased physical activity and disease prevention. Moreover, sports health contributes to greater workplace efficiency, reduced absenteeism, and improved job satisfaction. Effective policy-making in this field can lead to a physically and mentally healthier society.
In this article you read about:
The Current State of Sports Health in Iran and the World: Many countries, including Iran, face declining physical activity levels. Globally, over 1.4 billion people are insufficiently active, due to technology and urban lifestyles in developed nations, and economic and social barriers in developing ones. In Iran, over half the population lacks adequate physical activity, driven by limited infrastructure, cultural attitudes, and widespread tech use.
Identifying Problems and Challenges in the Field of Sports Health: Major challenges in sports health include declining physical activity in urban areas due to lifestyle changes, social and cultural barriers—especially affecting women—and the widespread use of digital technologies, which reduce daily physical movement.
The Role of the Government and Relevant Organizations in Promoting Physical Activity:
National planning, encouraging investment in sports facilities, and establishing supportive laws and regulations.
Designing Macro Policies to Increase Physical Activity Levels: Health-oriented urban planning and architecture, promoting a sports culture in schools, and integrating physical activity into workplace programs.
Creating a Sports Internet and Using Technology to Promote Physical Activity: Technology can promote physical activity through fitness apps that track exercise, gamified challenges that increase motivation, and AI-driven personalized exercise recommendations based on physical data.
Solutions and Recommendations for Improving Sports Health: Designing educational and promotional programs to raise awareness about the benefits of physical activity, implementing health-oriented urban planning and architecture policies, and strengthening collaboration between ministries and relevant organizations.
This study was conducted at Rasta Institute of Scientific Research for Health Sport in collaboration with Ali Sharifnejad, and MohammadAli Saremi in 2023.
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