Systematic Review Protocol to Evaluate the Evidence Informing the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gerontology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend older adults be as active as possible.
• Only 12.8% of adults aged 65+ meet current physical activity guidelines.
• Low physical activity levels in older adults necessitate targeted intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a systematic literature review to identify effective strategies for improving physical activity among older adults.
• To examine evidence on key settings, behavioral interventions, and policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) approaches.
• To inform the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report on implementation strategies for older adults.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was performed, screening 16,883 titles and abstracts.
• 734 full articles were reviewed, with 64 original research articles included in the final analysis.
• An equity-centered framework was used to adapt the search for PSE approaches.

Main Results:

• The review identified key settings and evidence-based strategies to enhance physical activity in older adults.
• 45 studies focused on settings and behavioral intervention strategies.
• 19 studies focused on policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) approaches.

Conclusions:

• Effective strategies and settings were identified to support increased physical activity in older adults.
• The findings provide a foundation for the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report.
• Further research is needed on the influence of equity and psychosocial factors on older adult physical activity.