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Physical Activity Interventions for Adults Aged 60+ Years in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review
Gabriela Cuadra1, Juliana S Oliveira1,2, Marina B Pinheiro1,2
1Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney,Australia.
Journal of Physical Activity & Health
|April 20, 2023
Summary
This review of physical activity interventions for older adults in low- and middle-income countries found most research is from upper-middle-income nations. Gaps exist in targeting underserved groups and measuring physical activity, falls, and social outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Existing reviews on physical activity interventions for older adults predominantly focus on high-income countries.
- This study specifically examines interventions implemented in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and analyze physical activity interventions for individuals aged 60 and above in LMICs.
- To identify trends, common methodologies, and outcome measures in this research area.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive search of 9 electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs.
- Data extraction was performed by one reviewer and verified by a second reviewer on a sample of studies.
- Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings from the included studies.
Main Results:
- The review included 234 studies from 19 countries, evaluating 259 distinct physical activity interventions.
- The majority of studies were conducted in upper-middle-income countries (89%) and utilized RCT designs (82%).
- Structured exercise was the most common intervention (63%), with intrinsic capacity (59%) and functional ability (51%) being the most frequently measured outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Despite a substantial number of RCTs, evidence on physical activity interventions for older adults in LMICs is concentrated in upper-middle-income countries.
- Significant gaps were identified, including a lack of interventions for underserved populations, limited use of sport as an intervention, and infrequent assessment of physical activity, falls, and social outcomes.
