Characteristics and effects of physical exercise programs for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: an integrative review

Main Article Content

Vinícius Ramon da Silva Santos
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1690-228X
Antonio Willyam Campos Damasceno
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9516-4849
Maria Jasmine Gomes da Silva
Danylo L Ferreira Cabral
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0162-1039
Augusto César Alves de Oliveira
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0025-6500

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the characteristics of physical exercise programs for older adults and their effects during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An integrative review was conducted between January and March 2022. A search was conducted in MEDLINE via PubMed, Lilacs via BVS, PEDro, and Cochrane Library. Experimental articles (randomized clinical trials, non-randomized trials, or quasi-experimental studies) published from 2019 to 2021, with no language restriction, and that used physical exercise programs for older adults (> 60 years) in their intervention were included. The studies were selected by reading the title, abstract, and full text. The selected articles had their results extracted using an online form, tabulated using an electronic spreadsheet, and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Results: 113 studies were identified; 7 met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review, all randomized controlled trials. The multi-component exercise programs were more frequent (resistance, balance, flexibility, and aerobic), delivered remotely and performed 2 to 7 times a week, lasting between 30 and 50 minutes. Significant effects were observed on physical function, body composition, blood triglycerides, the incidence of falls, physical activity, and functional capacity. Conclusions: The physical exercise programs used during the COVID-19 pandemic showed promising results for older adults. The programs proved to be a viable alternative for maintaining the physical, mental, and cognitive functions of older adults in times of public calamity.



Article Details

How to Cite
1.
Santos VR da S, Damasceno AWC, Silva MJG da, Cabral DLF, Oliveira ACA de. Characteristics and effects of physical exercise programs for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: an integrative review. HSJ [Internet]. 2023Mar.26 [cited 2024Jul.3];13(1):3-13. Available from: https://portalrcs.hcitajuba.org.br/index.php/rcsfmit_zero/article/view/1358
Section
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Author Biographies

Vinícius Ramon da Silva Santos, State University of Health Sciences of Alagoas

PhD student in Physical Therapy at the Federal University of São Carlos

Antonio Willyam Campos Damasceno, State University of Health Sciences of Alagoas

Physiotherapist at the State University of Health Sciences of Alagoas.

Maria Jasmine Gomes da Silva, Federal University of São Carlos

Master's student in Physical Therapy at the Federal University of São Carlos.

Danylo L Ferreira Cabral, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Augusto César Alves de Oliveira, State University of Health Sciences of Alagoas

Adjunct Professor of the Physiotherapy course at the State University of Health Sciences of Alagoas, PhD in Biotechnology.

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