Physical Activity among a Sample of Iranians
Aged Over 60 Years: An Application of the Transtheoretical Model
Abstract
Background: Physical inactivity is one of the leading causes of major chronic disease, which contributes substantially to the global burden of disease, death and disability. This study examined physical activity in a randomly selected sample of elderly people in Tehran, Iran.
Methods: A random sample of 400 elderly people aged 60 years and over was selected through multistage sampling. A
multi-sectional questionnaire that contained demographic characteristics, physical activity knowledge, bene_ts, barriers, selfef
_cacy, and readiness stage was used. Physical activity was measured by questions retrieved from the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. Results: This study showed knowledge, perceived bene_ts, and self-ef_cacy could predict physical activity stage of change (P