Designing a model of physical activity for middle-aged Iranian women

It is very important to know exactly how middle-aged women's physical activity in the country in order to plan and implement measures for its development. Therefore; the purpose of this study was to design a model of physical activity for middle-aged Iranian women. The research method was Grounded Theory, systematic approach. Sampling was theoretical. Data analysis was performed through continuous "questioning" and "comparison". In-order-to achieve theoretical saturation, Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 middle-aged women (40-65 years old) who regularly participated in physical activity, while reviewing specialized texts. At the end of different stages of coding, 128 important concepts, 30 subcategories and 9 main categories were identified. Physical activity was determined as the axial variable. At the end of the selective-coding stage, a conceptual model was designed in which "Advices and promotions", "knowledge and awareness", "fear and prevention" and "physical therapy" affect "motivation". Middle-aged women participate in physical activity according to the level of "motivation", "facilities" and "challenges", and subsequently experience the "benefits of physical activity". The "experience of the benefits of physical activity" causes the process to be repeated and the cycle of continuing physical activity to be formed. "Diseases and physical problems" of middle-age is the most important issue for Iranian women at this stage. Therefore, fear of getting or treating these diseases and physical problems is the most important concern of middle-aged Iranian women. According to the most important research findings; increasing awareness, increasing perceived threats, and promoting physical activity among middle-aged women at the community level are necessary.