The best modality and dose of physical activity to improve sleep quality in older adults: A Bayesian dose-response...

The beneficial effects of physical activity on sleep quality in older adults are well-established. However, determining the optimal dose of physical activity remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the dose-response relationship between physical activity and sleep quality in older adults.

A comprehensive search was conducted across six electronic databases from inception to May 2024. Included were randomized controlled trials assessing the impact of physical activity on sleep quality in older adults. Changes in sleep quality scores were analyzed using a normal-likelihood model with an identity link function.

Fifty-one studies involving 5890 participants met the inclusion criteria. The dose-response relationship was best described by a "J" shaped curve. The minimum significant dose was 195 metabolic equivalents of tasks (METs)-min/week (Hedges'g = -0.39, SE: 0.27, 95%CrI: -0.82 to 0), with the optimum dose identified as 440 METs-min/week (Hedges'g = -0.85, SE: 0.26, 95%CrI: -1.24 to -0.37). The tolerated dose was also 820 METs-min/week (Hedges'g = -0.85, SE: 0.26, 95%CrI: -1.24 to -0.37). The optimal dose of 440 METs/min/week consistently improved sleep quality across various physical activities. Additionally, participant characteristics such as age, sex, and exercise intensity may moderate the effects of different physical activities.

This study identified the optimal weekly dose of physical activity to enhance sleep quality in older adults, highlighting the effectiveness of various physical activities. It also explored moderating factors affecting intervention outcomes. These findings provide valuable insights for tailoring personalized physical activity programs in clinical settings.