The Prevalence of Physical Activity in the Iranian Population: A Scoping Review and Overview of Facilitators and Barriers

Physical activity (PA) is a determinant of well-being and aids the prevention of noncommunicable diseases, yet PA patterns and determinants in Iran have not been comprehensively reviewed. This scoping review aimed to map research on the prevalence of PA across Iranian age groups, aligning the findings with the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA) framework. Following the PRISMA-ScR checklist, seven electronic databases were searched for observational and interventional studies reporting PA prevalence and patterns among Iranian populations. Data were charted by age group (children and adolescents, adults, and older adults) and mapped to the four WHO GAPPA domains: Active Societies, Active Environments, Active People, and Active Systems. 38 studies were included across all age groups. PA levels were consistently lower among females and individuals with lower education and socioeconomic status, and declined with age, with the lowest prevalence in older adults. Roughly 45–70% of adults met the PA guidelines, compared with 59–74% of children, 70–81% of adolescents, and 23–47% of older adults, though estimates varied substantially due to differences in measurement instruments. Barriers included urban living, long working hours, gender norms, lack of safe facilities, and low parental education or support. Findings highlight the need for community and culturally tailored promotion (Active Societies); expanded and safer PA infrastructure through urban planning (Active Environments); school-, family-, and workplace-based programs for high-risk groups (Active People); and improved surveillance, coordination, financing, and policy integration (Active Systems). This article is the first scoping review attempting to map available evidence on PA prevalence and determinants across major age groups in Iran, aligned with the WHO GAPPA framework. Promotion of PA in Iran requires multi-sectoral, culturally adapted strategies that address disparities and structural barriers, alongside expanded infrastructure, targeted interventions, and stronger surveillance to support equitable participation.