Effects of Physical Activity Governmental Programs on Health Status in Independent Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This systematic review analyzes the evidence of the effects of physical activity governmental programs oriented towards the health of independent older adults. Medline, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection databases were used for data mining and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) recommendations were followed. Five studies (n=2,545 participants) fulfilled the established inclusion criteria. The physical activity programs had beneficial effects on the older adults? quality of life, fall risk, activities of daily living, physical activity levels, nutritional risk, body mass index, arterial pressure, resting heart rate, blood glucose, triglycerides and/or cholesterol, but did not significantly alter their body fat mass percentage. Programs involving diverse physical capacities seem to be more effective for healthy aging. It is recommended that governments start to disseminate the outcomes of these programs within society and the scientific community.