Actividad física y su relación con el envejecimiento y la capacidad funcional: una revisión de la literatura de investigación.

Mariana Duque-Fernández, Leonor; Ornelas-Contreras, Martha; Verónica Benavides-Pando, Elia

Introduction. Since diverse physical activity programs seem to improve older adults' quality of life, the objective of the present study was to analyze, through a systematic review of the research literature the relationship between physical activity and functional capacity in older adults. Method. A systematic electronic search included the following databases: Scopus, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Web of Science (WOS) and PEDro, as well as the Google Academic search engine. Search descriptors included the following: functional capacity, physical activity, elderly, physical activity, aging, functional capacity, older adult, physical activity programs. The search included articles published between 2008 and 2018 in either Spanish or English. Results. From a total of 5198 studies found, 51 studies which met all inclusion criteria were selected. After study titles were reviewed and duplicates eliminated, they were then examined with emphasis on methodology, results and discussion. Results revealed numerous studies reporting that performance of physical activity does provide benefits in functional capacity in the elderly through various programs. Discussion. Physical activity in older adults should be considered as one of the main strategies for maintaining functional capacity, promoting health and preventing disease.

Revista Psicología y Salud, 2020, Vol 30, Issue 1, p45

1405-1109

Academic Journal