Sajad Parsaei - Department of Motor Behavior. Faculty of Physical Education, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahwaz, Iran
Ali Asghar Arastoo - Social Factors Affecting Health Research Center and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center Health School, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Shahla Zahednejad - Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center, Physical Therapy Department, Rehabilitation School, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Nasrin Teymoori - Department of Physical Education, University of Farhangyan, Tehran, Iran
Mitra Derakhshesh - Department of Physical Education, University of Farhangyan, Tehran, Iran

Highlights Mental health problems are one of the most common consequences of physical disability, and its prevalence is high in developing countries Participating in physical activity can improve mental health and mindfulness among disabled persons. It is recommended that all centers and organizations that interact with physically disabled people include physical activities to their programs to improve mental health. Background: 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. Methods: The method of this research is descriptive-correlational. ۱۰۰ veteran and disabled athletes and ۱۰۰ 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. Results: The mean age was in the athlete group (۲۹.۸۷ ± ۳.۸۸) and in the non-athlete group (۲۸.۲۵ ± ۳.۵۵). 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 = ۰.۸۷۹ and determination coefficient was equal to R۲ = ۰.۷۷۲ which was significant at P <۰.۰۱ level. Conclusion: 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.

Disabled, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Physical Activity, Veteran