The nature, scope and type of exercise and physical activity undertaken by Middle Eastern women post-coronary artery disease diagnosis: a scoping review

Abstract Background Lack of physical activity (PA) is linked to the high prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in the Middle East. Yet, little is known about Middle Eastern women’s PA post-diagnosis of CAD. Objectives To identify what is known about the nature, scope and type of exercise and PA undertaken by Middle Eastern women post-diagnosis of CAD. Methods A scoping review, following the Arksey and O’Malley framework (2005), was undertaken. Comprehensive searches were undertaken from Jan 2009 to April 2026 using six electronic databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycInfo, Scopus and SPORTDiscus, in addition to Google Scholar. A total of 7538 studies were identified. Studies were screened by title, abstract and full text for inclusion eligibility. Twelve studies were included in this review. Results This scoping review identified low levels of exercise and PA among Middle Eastern and Arabian women after being diagnosed with CAD. In addition, there were insufficient referrals to and low participation among Middle Eastern women diagnosed with CAD in structured multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation programmes. Conclusion There is limited research concerning the exercise and physical activity habits among Arab women in the Middle East. The evidence suggests that Middle Eastern women diagnosed with CAD are not achieving the recommended weekly levels of exercise and physical activity. There remains a lack of evidence regarding the education and support offered to these women to encourage them to undertake and/or maintain regular exercise and/or physical activity, and/or enrol onto cardiac rehabilitation programmes post CAD diagnosis.