Iranian Journal of War and Public Health

eISSN (English): 2980-969X
eISSN (Persian): 2008-2630
pISSN (Persian): 2008-2622
1.0
JMERC
Volume 18, Issue 2 (2026)                   3 2026, 18(2): 115-128 | Back to browse issues page
Request Type:
Qualitative Study |

Print XML PDF HTML Full-Text (HTML)


History

How to cite this article
Rezaei S. The Mechanisms of Adapted Sport Development for Veterans in Iran. 3 2026; 18 (2) :115-128
URL: http://ijwph.daneshafarand.org/article-3-85688-en.html
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:

Rights and permissions
Authors Sh. Rezaei *
Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Human Sciences, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran
* Corresponding Author Address: Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Human Sciences, Ilam University, Research Boulevard, Ilam, Iran. Postal Code: 69315516 (sh.rezaei@Ilam.ac.ir)
Abstract   (102 Views)
Aims: This study aimed to explore the mechanisms underlying the development of sport for veterans in Iran.
Instrument & Methods: This qualitative study employed Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory approach. Data were collected through a literature review and semi-structured interviews with 13 experts in the field of sport for veterans and persons with disabilities. Participants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling. Validity was ensured through member checking and expert review. Reliability was assessed through a process audit, yielding 94.8% agreement. Data analysis was conducted using the constant comparative method across the open, axial, and selective coding stages.
Findings: A total of 365 primary codes and 142 secondary codes were identified from the interview data. These were refined and organized into 64 concepts and 28 subcategories, which were ultimately consolidated into 13 main categories. The core categories comprised technological and digital requirements; physical and psychological needs; cultural consumption patterns and active lifestyle; development of sport for veterans and persons with disabilities; development of standard sport infrastructures and facilities; demographic factors and social identity; sport management and governance mechanisms; environmental and organizational context; legal and institutional frameworks; education and learning mechanisms; structural and process reforms; supportive measures and demand-oriented approaches; and social, economic, cultural, and psychological outcomes.
Conclusion: Sport development for veterans with disabilities in Iran results from complex interactions among technology, human needs, governance, infrastructure, legal frameworks, and supportive actions.
Keywords:

References
1. Mandani B, Hosseini SA, Saadat Abadi M, Farahbod M. Effect of group exercise program on quality of life in post-traumatic stress disorder war veterans. Iran J War Public Health. 2015;7(2):91-8. [Link]
2. Rezaei S, Kheiri A, Esmaeili M, Mahmoudi A. Effect of eight weeks of sports exercises in water on sleep disturbance and alexithymia of inactive veterans. Iran J War Public Health. 2023;15(3):285-93. [Link] [DOI:10.58209/ijwph.15.3.285]
3. Kheiri A, Rezaei S, Alhasany M. Effect of aquatic exercises on emotional intelligence and quality of life of inactive veterans. Iran J War Public Health. 2024;16(2):181-9. [Link]
4. Gholiour S, Parhizgarkalat SZ, Gholipour M. Type of injury and quality of life among veterans Kermanshah province. J Soc Work Res. 2016;2(4):66-99. [Persian] [Link]
5. Rezaei S, Shams M, Azizifar A, Aibod S, Gohari Z. Modeling the structural equations of the corona anxiety level based on psychological hardness and physical activities in the treatment staff of Ilam Province with the mediator role of professional identity. J Educ Health Promot. 2024;13:249. [Link] [DOI:10.4103/jehp.jehp_694_23]
6. Rezaei S. The effectiveness of eight weeks of exercise training in water on marital conflicts and emotional self-regulation of inactive veterans of Ilam city. J Mil Med. 2023;25(5):2024-34. [Persian] [Link]
7. WHO. Global levels of physical inactivity in adults: Off track for 2030. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2024. [Link]
8. UNICEF. Physical activity and children's rights. New York: United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund; 2023. [Link]
9. Alfahham QMY, Asefi AA. Identifying and analyzing the effective drivers on the development of sport for all in Iraq using mutual influence analysis. Sport Manag J. 2025;17(1):161-39. [Persian] [Link]
10. Chen P, Yu H, Lin CF, Guo J, Elliott J, Bleakney A, et al. Effect of adaptive sports on quality of life in individuals with disabilities who use wheelchairs: A mixed-methods systematic review. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2024;19(8):2774-90. [Link] [DOI:10.1080/17483107.2024.2313110]
11. Rezaei Sh, Salehipour M. Analysis of effective factors in development of Iran sport industry using grounded theory approach. Hum Resour Manag Sports. 2018;6(1):89-107. [Persian] [Link]
12. Gholami Torkesaluye S, Zareian H, Abdollahi MH, Abolhoseini A. Identifying the key drivers of the development of sport for all with a structural analysis approach. Sport Manag Stud. 2023;15(81):285-308. [Persian] [Link]
13. Rezaei S, Izadi B, Mahdiyeh M. The pattern of factors affecting the quality of women's leisure time with an emphasis on sport activities. Res Womens Sports. 2024;1(1):71-92. [Persian] [Link]
14. Hassett L, McKay MJ, Cole J, Moseley AM, Chagpar S, Geerts M, et al. Effects of sport or physical recreation for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2024;58(5):269-77. [Link] [DOI:10.1136/bjsports-2023-107123]
15. Lapierre N, Huet-Fiola C, Labrie D, Vincent-Blouin E, Côté C, Gagnon M, et al. Digital platforms to facilitate physical activities for people with physical or sensory disabilities: A scoping review. Disabil Health J. 2024;17(3):101626. [Link] [DOI:10.1016/j.dhjo.2024.101626]
16. Bohn AS, Porter G, Penniman R, Leonard S. Thriving through adaptation: Adaptive sports after spinal cord injury. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2025;36(1):173-94. [Link] [DOI:10.1016/j.pmr.2024.08.004]
17. Rezaei S, Monazami A. Developing a model for elite sport development in Iran. Sport Manag Stud. 2026;(1):e4939. [Persian] [Link]
18. Ávila-Gámiz F, Pérez-Cano AM, Pérez-Berlanga JM, Mullor-Vigo RM, Zambrana-Infantes EN, Santín LJ, et al. Sequential treadmill exercise and cognitive training synergistically increase adult hippocampal neurogenesis in mice. Physiol Behav. 2023;266:114184. [Link] [DOI:10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114184]
19. Mackintosh C, Reavill N, O'Hanlon R, Roberts D. Understanding the role of invictus games in supporting the transition for UK disabled military veterans. Front Sports Act Living. 2025;7:1609967. [Link] [DOI:10.3389/fspor.2025.1609967]
20. Ahmadi F, Khaleghi MM, Zar A, Tejaswi J, Govindasamy K, Ardelean VP, et al. Relationship between quality of life and sports performance among athletes with disabilities: A focus on individual sports. Healthcare. 2025;13(22):2919. [Link] [DOI:10.3390/healthcare13222919]
21. Ward JM. Playing for freedom: A phenomenological exploration into team sports' perceived influence on PTSD symptoms in military veterans. J Veterans Stud. 2026;12(1):36-54. [Link] [DOI:10.21061/jvs.v12i1.814]
22. Rezaei S. Designing a revenue model for Iranian football clubs: With grounded theory approach. Appl Res Sport Manag. 2018;6(3):101-16. [Persian] [Link]
23. Danaeifard H, Eslami A. Application of grounded theory in practice: Constructing of organizational indifference. Tehran: Publications of Imam Sadiq University; 2010. p. 105-116. [Persian] [Link]
24. Strauss A, Corbin J. Basics of qualitative research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory. 4th ed. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications; 2015. p. 158-65. [Link]
25. Ghoreishi MS, Savadi M, Saybani H. Designing a model for the development of disability volunteering in sports based on data theory. Sport Manag Stud. 2022;14(75):17-48. [Persian] [Link]
26. Hosseinzadeh Gonabadi A, Safania AM, Poursoltani Zarandi H, Bagherian M, Naqshbandi S. Barriers to the absence of the disabled and veterans in sports activities based on data theory. J Disabil Stud. 2021;11:130. [Link]
27. Faraji E, Dabiri A, Allami M, Hosseini M, Barati AH. Physical activity and sport participation in veterans with extremity musculoskeletal disorders. Eur J Adapt Phys Act. 2023;16(2):1-10. [Link] [DOI:10.5507/euj.2022.002]
28. Rezaei S. Designing the privatization model in Iran's sports industry. J Sport Manag Dev. 2020;9(4):110-29. [Persian] [Link]
29. Rezaei S, Esmaeili M. Broadcasting rights in the Iranian football industry. J Sport Manag Dev. 2019;8(1):86-101. [Persian] [Link]
30. Kamenecka-Usova M, Korde Z, Zidens J, Luika S, Agapova O, Palkova K, et al. Research patterns in sports law and sports governance: A Scopus bibliometric study. Front Sports Act Living. 2025;7:1590858. [Link] [DOI:10.3389/fspor.2025.1590858]