Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Journal of Caring Sciences 2251-9920 15 3 2026 09 19 Physical Activity Levels and Their Association with Psychological Resilience and Hardiness Among Nurses Working in the ICU: A Cross-Sectional Correlational Study 217 226 10.34172/jcs.36645 EN Zohreh Hajizadeh https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5263-6103 Hossein Feizollahzadeh https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5142-109X Fariborz Roshangar https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8294-1506 Journal Article 10.34172/jcs.36645 2025 12 23 2026 09 02 Introduction: ICU nurses face substantial occupational stress, which may affect their psychological well-being. Resilience and hardiness are important resources for coping. This study assessed physical activity levels and examined their association with resilience and hardiness among ICU nurses. Methods: This cross-sectional correlational study involved 225 nurses from ICUs of five teaching hospitals affiliated with Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected using proportional random sampling. Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF), Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and Ahvaz Hardiness Inventory (AHI). Data were analyzed using SPSS v.21 with descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square, and multiple linear regression analyses. Results: Most participants were female (78.2%), with a mean (SD) age of 35.23 (8.05) years. Mean resilience and hardiness scores were 60.10 (13.50) and 46.23 (8.54), respectively. Low physical activity levels were reported by 45.3% of nurses, while 20% were classified into the high physical activity category. Resilience was positively correlated with hardiness (r=0.53, P<0.001). Overall physical activity levels were not significantly associated with resilience or hardiness (P>0.05). However, nurses with a previous sports history reported higher resilience and hardiness scores. Conclusion: ICU nurse’s demonstrated moderate psychological resilience and hardiness but insufficient physical activity. Although current physical activity levels were not significantly associated with psychological outcomes, a previous sports history was related to higher resilience and hardiness scores. These findings suggest that health‑promotion strategies should consider both lifestyle habits and psychological support, while future longitudinal research is needed to clarify causal pathways.