Assessing the Relationship between Physical Activity and Life Satisfaction among Women: Path Analysis Model

Physical activity is associated with diverse physical and psychological benefits that influence the quality of life. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between physical activity and life satisfaction of women using path analysis model.
In this descriptive -correlational study, 200 women who participate in aerobics and Pilates classes in Tabriz and Miyaneh completed the “Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire”, “Sport Self-efficacy Questionnaire”, “Satisfaction with Life Scale” and “World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire”- BREF. Data is analyzed using SPSS. 23 and Amos 20.
Results show a significant relationship between physical activity and self-efficacy, self-efficacy and mental health, self-efficacy and physical health, mental health and physical health, life satisfaction and mental health; life satisfaction and physical health among women participating in aerobics and Pilates classes (0.14 ≤ r ≤ 0.53). Moreover, the path analysis model extracted from the relationships among physical activity, self-efficacy, physical; mental health and life satisfaction model was comprehensively explained (RMSEA = 0.087, NFI = 0.95, CFI = 0.97 and GFI = 0.98).
This study indicate that aerobics and Pilates classes had positive effect on self-efficacy and thereby improving mental and physical health status of women. This ultimately enhanced the life satisfaction among women. As such, to improve the life satisfaction, it is suggested to encourage women to participate more in physical activities specially aerobics and Pilates classes.