The Effectiveness of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Mindfulness in Veterans and Disabled

Physical Activity as a fundamental basis, generally for everyone in the community and particularly important for disabled people. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Physical Activity on mental health and mindfulness in veterans and disabled people.

The method of this research is descriptive-correlational. 100 veteran and disabled athletes and 100 veterans and non-athlete disabled participated in this research among disability institutions and rehabilitation centers in Ahvaz. The instrument used in this study was an international physical activity, mental health and mindfulness questionnaire.

The mean age was in the athlete group (29.87 ± 3.88) and in the non-athlete group (28.25 ± 3.55). The results of independent t-test showed that there is a significant difference between the two groups, which shows the positive effect of activity on mental health and mindfulness variables in veterans and disabled athletes compared to non-athletes. It was also found that physical activity variable predicts two variables of mental health and mindfulness in veterans and the disabled. Multiple correlation coefficient was equal to MR = 0.879 and determination coefficient was equal to R2 = 0.772 which was significant at P <0.01 level.

In a general conclusion, participation in active activities and having sufficient mobility in veterans and disabled people can improve mental variables such as mental health and also mind awareness.