Effects of low‐to‐moderate physical activities on older adults with chronic diseases: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Khee Hiang Lynette Tan, Chiew Jiat Rosalind Siah
Abstract
Abstract Aim Examined the evidence of low‐to‐moderate‐intensity physical activities to assess the effect in managing hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidaemia conditions among community‐dwelling older adult. Background Physical activity is recommended for the maintenance and improvement of health. However, high‐intensity physical activity may adversely impact exercise adherence by older adults. Design This review was conducted with reference to methods set out in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The PRISMA statement was employed to guide the reporting of the systematic review and meta‐analyses. Data Sources Seven electronic databases were searched to identify relevant articles that were published in English from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2020. Review Method This review included randomised controlled trials and cluster‐randomised controlled trials on interventions of physical activities with low‐to‐moderate intensities compared against usual care without physical activities. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Meta‐analysis was performed using RevMan, with Cochran Q and I 2 used for determining heterogeneity. The overall effect was reviewed with z scores. Results Fifteen randomised controlled trials with 940 total participants were evaluated. Low‐to‐moderate‐intensity physical activity significantly improved systolic blood pressure [ Z = 3.59, p = .0003], HbA1C [ Z = 2.10, p = .04] and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels [ Z = 3.83, p = .0001], compared to usual care. A further subgroup analysis found no significant difference in systolic blood pressure level after three sessions a week as well as after three months. There were insufficient papers to evaluate for both HbA1C and HDL levels. Conclusion Regular physical activity ranging from low‐to‐moderate intensity should be encouraged among older adults with chronic diseases. Relevance for clinical practice This review suggested that low‐to‐moderate levels of physical activity could be encouraged among community‐dwelling older adults to improve their physical health.