A systematic review of studies that included both measures of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in older adults

Armando Raimundo; José Marmeleira; Soraia Ferreira

doi:10.33155/j.ramd.2019.09.006

Armando Raimundo Department of Sport and Health. School of Science and Technology. Évora University. Comprehensive Health Research Center. Portugal.
José Marmeleira Department of Sport and Health. School of Science and Technology. Évora University. Comprehensive Health Research Center. Portugal.
Soraia Ferreira Department of Sport and Health. School of Science and Technology. Évora University. Comprehensive Health Research Center. Portugal.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33155/j.ramd.2019.09.006

Keywords: Exercise, Aged, Sedentary behavior

Abstract

Objective: The main aim of this study is to identify, appraise and synthesize evidence on the level of physical activity and sedentary behavior in older adults.

Method: This review was restricted to studies published between January 2006 and January 2019 and included studies that reported physical activity and sedentary behavior in older adults (≥65 years old) without chronical health conditions.

Results: Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Two studies reported data for older adults residing at assisted care facilities, showing results of moderate to vigorous physical activity much lower than those reported in studies with older adults living in the community (2 min/per day and 37.2 min/per day, respectively).

Conclusion: Sedentary behavior is high in the elderly, with men presenting higher values than women. moderate to vigorous physical activity has very low values, and with the advancing age there is a decrease in the same.