Understanding the Link Between Physical Activity and Work Ability in University Staff: Protocol for a Gender-Sensitive Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundPhysical inactivity represents a significant public health issue with substantial socioeconomic costs. In the autonomous Community of Madrid, 39.17% of the population does not meet the World Health Organization recommendations for physical activity (PA). Gender, sex, and occupational factors are well-established determinants of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA); yet, few studies have examined these factors among university staff. ObjectiveThis study aims to analyze the relationship between LTPA and work ability among university staff in the autonomous Community of Madrid, considering the potential modifying effect of occupational PA. Secondary objectives include examining associations between LTPA, musculoskeletal disorders, health-related quality of life, physical and mental workload, and working conditions, with a focus on sex and gender differences. MethodsA cross-sectional study was designed involving 885 university staff members from the University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain. Participants will complete an online survey, including sociodemographic questions and validated instruments: the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, Work Ability Index, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Short Form-12 Health Survey, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index. Descriptive and inferential statistics will be performed to assess the associations between LTPA, occupational PA, and work ability, adjusted for relevant covariates. ResultsThis study was approved by the ethics committee of the University of Alcalá in November 2024. Recruitment began in December 2024 and will continue until June 2027. Data analysis will be conducted progressively. Results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences following gender-sensitive and transparent reporting standards. ConclusionsUnderstanding the determinants of PA and their interaction with work ability and gender may inform the development of targeted, culturally sensitive interventions to reduce sedentary behavior and its associated health and economic burdens in university staff. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT06723808; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06723808 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/80298