Physical activity for a meaningful and purposeful life in typical adults: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: Physical activity is a part of life and an essential element for health and well-being. Investigating the meaning and purpose that physical activity adds to life will guide occupation-based interventions. Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity level and meaning and purpose in life in typical adults. Method: The study included a total of 300 typical adults (181 female, 119 male). Demographic characteristics of the participants, such as age, gender, and educational status, were recorded. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Life Attitude Profile-Revised, and the Purpose in Life Test were used as measurement tools. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyse the relationship between nonparametric variables. Results: A weak positive correlation was found between the physical activity total scores, meaning in life sub-scores and total scores (r=0.25, p<0.01), and purpose in life total scores (r=0.16, p<0.01). Conclusion: Our findings revealed that people engaging in more physical activity had a sense of meaning and purpose in life. Physical activity must take place in occupational therapy practices as an occupation that adds meaning and purpose to an individual's life. Further research is needed on this subject.