The promotion of a physically active lifestyle in elderly people has been used as a strategy to promote improvement in health standards and quality of life. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of an intervention program on the physical activity (PA) and nutritional level of physically active women aged from 50 to 72 years old. The sample was composed of sixty-four women participating in a regular exercise program in a senior center. Subjects were assigned conveniently to one of four intervention groups: A) nutritional (n = 17); B) nutritional + physical activity (n = 17); C) physical activity (n = 13); D) control (n = 15). Physical activity level was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The intervention program was conducted for twelve weeks, once a week, 5 to 10 minutes after the exercise sessions. Nutritional intervention was based on "talks" about health nutrition, and the physical activity intervention was based on the Agita São Paulo program message, encouraging everyone to take at least thirty minutes of any PA, at moderate intensity, mostly days of the week, besides the gym classes. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase on frequency (time/week) of moderate activities in groups A, B and C (32.4%; 49.6%; 47.9% respectively) after 12 weeks of program, when compared to the control group. Women in the physical activity intervention group presented significant increase (123.2%) in duration (min/week) of moderate PA and walk (150.9%) and also in the walking frequency (97.6%) when compared to baseline. The intervention program produced significant increases in the physical activity level even in women already physically active.
Intervention program; Physical activity level; Elderly people physically active
