Abstract
Background
Participation in regular physical activity is among the most promising and cost effective
strategies to reduce physical and cognitive decline and premature death. However,
confusion remains about the amount, frequency, and duration of physical activity that
is likely to provide maximum benefit as well as the way in which interventions should
be delivered.
Aims
This paper aimed to review research on the impact of leisure-time and general physical
activity levels on physical and cognitive decline in postmenopausal women. In a systematic
review of the literature, empirical literature from 2009 to 2013 is reviewed to explore
the potential impact of either commencing or sustaining physical activity on older
women's health.
Results
All studies found that physical activity was associated with lower rates of cognitive
and physical decline and a significant reduction in all-cause mortality. In this review
we found that exercise interventions (or lifestyle activities) that improved cardiorespiratory
exercise capacity showed the most positive impact on physical health.
Conclusions
Findings suggest that programs should facilitate and support women to participate
in regular exercise by embedding physical activity programs in public health initiatives,
by developing home-based exercise programs that require few resources and by creating
interventions that can incorporate physical activity within a healthy lifestyle. The
review also suggests that clinicians should consider prescribing exercise in a tailored
manner for older women to ensure that it is of a high enough intensity to obtain the
positive sustained effects of exercise.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 20, 2014
Accepted:
June 13,
2014
Received:
June 11,
2014
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
