Journals Information
International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences Vol. 13(4), pp. 909 - 919
DOI: 10.13189/saj.2025.130427
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Airplane Exercise Equipment and Its Role in Enhancing Passenger Health: A Preventive Study on the Risks of Physical Inactivity during Long-Haul Flights
Anwar Al-Nuaim , Mohamed D. Hassan *
Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia
ABSTRACT
Background: Prolonged immobility during air travel contributes to musculoskeletal discomfort, circulatory strain, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Despite awareness efforts, current inflight interventions often lack practicality within constrained cabin environments. Objective: To evaluate passenger awareness of health risks associated with physical inactivity during long-haul flights and assess perceptions of a patented portable exercise device designed for in-cabin use. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 111 adult participants from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, and Qatar. An expert-validated questionnaire assessed three dimensions: awareness of physical inactivity risks, perceived effectiveness of the proposed device, and the practical need for onboard movement solutions. Responses were rated using a five-point Likert scale, and reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha. Results: Participants reported strong awareness of fatigue and discomfort-related risks (overall M = 3.97), while awareness of DVT was lower (M = 3.60). The exercise device was positively perceived for promoting inflight movement and comfort (M = 4.11). The need for compact and ergonomic exercise solutions was strongly supported (M = 4.03). Cronbach's alpha values exceeded 0.92 for all dimensions. Conclusion: The findings validate the proposed device as a practical preventive tool for mitigating immobility-related health risks during long-haul flights. Results emphasize the importance of public education and cabin-compatible wellness innovations. Application: This study informs airline efforts to adopt inflight health strategies by integrating compact exercise tools and increasing passenger awareness of inactivity-related risks.
KEYWORDS
Long-Haul Flights, Physical Inactivity, Deep Vein Thrombosis, In-Flight Exercise, Passenger Health, Saudi Airlines, Portable Fitness Device
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Anwar Al-Nuaim , Mohamed D. Hassan , "Airplane Exercise Equipment and Its Role in Enhancing Passenger Health: A Preventive Study on the Risks of Physical Inactivity during Long-Haul Flights," International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 909 - 919, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2025.130427.
(b). APA Format:
Anwar Al-Nuaim , Mohamed D. Hassan (2025). Airplane Exercise Equipment and Its Role in Enhancing Passenger Health: A Preventive Study on the Risks of Physical Inactivity during Long-Haul Flights. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 13(4), 909 - 919. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2025.130427.