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Physical benefits and reduction of depressive symptoms among the elderly: Results from the Portuguese "National Walking Program"

Benefícios físicos e redução de sintomas depressivos em idosos: resultados do Programa Nacional de Caminhada Português

Abstracts

The aim of this study was to investigate alterations in physical fitness and anthropometric parameters as well as depression symptoms among the elderly after participation in the "National Walking Program" (Portugal). The sample consisted of 26 elderly people over six months with a total of 72 exercise sessions. The exercise sessions consisted of aerobics (walking and running) and strength and flexibility exercises. Participants were assessed pre- and post-intervention for physical fitness with the Rikli & Jones test. The anthropometric measurements were assessed with a bioimpedance scale and a stadiometer, and depression with Yesavage's Geriatric Depression Scale. Physical activity was only assessed with an accelerometer at the pre-intervention phase. For statistical analysis, the student t test for paired samples was performed using SPSS 21 software. Statistically significant improvements were found in depressive symptoms (p ≤ 0.001), and in all physical fitness tests (p ≤ 0.05) except for flexibility tests (p ≥ 0.05). Waist circumference reduction also showed the positive effects of the intervention (p = 0.031). The conclusion drawn is that participation in the "National Walking Program" for 6 months was effective in improving the physical and psychological health of the elderly.

The elderly; Exercises; Walking; Physical fitness; Depression


O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar as alterações nos idosos após a participação no Programa Nacional de Marcha e Corrida de Portugal, em relação ao nível de aptidão física, medidas antropométricas, bem como os sintomas depressivos. Fizeram parte da amostra 26 idosos por um período de 6 meses com total de 72 aulas, que foram conduzidas com exercícios aeróbicos (marcha e corrida), de força e flexibilidade. Os dados de aptidão física foram mensurados pelo teste de Rikli & Jones, os dados antropométricos através de balança de bioimpedância/estadiômetro e a depressão pela Escala de Depressão Geriatria de Yesavage, estas informações foram coletadas pré e pós-intervenção. O nível de atividade física foi avaliado por acelerômetro apenas na pré-intervenção. Para as análises estatísticas foi utilizado o programa SPSS através do teste t-Student para amostras pareadas. Encontramos uma melhora significativa no pré para o pós-teste nos sintomas depressivos (p ≤ 0.001) e em todos os testes de aptidão física (p ≤ 0.05), com exceção dos de flexibilidade (p ≥ 0.05). A redução da circunferência da cintura também demonstrou os efeitos positivos da intervenção (p = 0.031). Podemos concluir que a participação no programa de Marcha e Corrida durante 6 meses foi eficaz na melhora da saúde física e psicológica do idoso.

Idosos; Exercícios; Caminhada; Aptidão física; Depressão


Introduction

The aging process, natural to life, includes changes in biopsychosocial aspects. Elderly people are more susceptible to the development of chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers and depressive disorders11. Reichert CL, Diogo CL, Vieira JL, Dalacorte RR. Physical activity and depressive symptoms in community-dwelling elders from southern Brazil. Rev Bras Psiquiatr 2011; 33(2):165-170. , 22. Alves RS, Mota J, Costa MC, Alves JGB. Aptidão física relacionada à saúde de idosos: influência da hidroginástica. Rev Bras Med Esporte 2004; 10(1):31-37.. Studies show that depressive disorders affect between 5% to over 30%33. Pinho MX, Custódio O, Makdisse M. Incidência de depressão e fatores associados em idosos residentes na comunidade: revisão de literatura. Rev Bras Geriatr Gerontol 2009; 12(1):123-140. , 44. Silva E, Paniz V, Laste G, Torres I. Prevalência de morbidades e sintomas em idosos: um estudo comparativo entre zonas rural e urbana. Cien Saude Colet 2013; 18(4):1029-1040. of older adults. The high prevalence of depression in elders is often related to loss of functionality, and physical fitness. Promoting physical fitness and maintaining functionality can be an important way to aid depression prevention of chronic conditions on older adults55. Nóbrega ACL, Freitas EV, Oliveira MAB, Leitão MB, Lazzoli JK, Nahas RM, Baptista CAS, Drummond FA, Rezende L, Pereira J, Pinto M, Randominski RB, Leite N, Thiele ES, Hernandez AJ, Araújo CGS, Teixeira JAC, Carvalho T, Borges SF, De Rose EH. Posicionamento oficial da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte e da Sociedade Brasileira de Geriatria e Gerontologia: atividade física e saúde no idoso. Rev Bras Med Esporte 1999; 5(6):207-211..

Observational and experimental studies have demonstrated an inverse relationship between physical fitness and depressive symptoms66. Yamagata E, Yamada Y, Sugihara Y, Komatsu M, Kimura M, Okayama Y. Physical fitness and depression symptoms in community-dwelling elderly women. Nihon Koshu Eisei Zasshi 2013; 60(4):231-240. , 77. Choi YH, Lee CJ. Effects of a recreational combination gymnastics program for old-old women. J Korean Acad Nurs 2012; 42(6):843-852.. The aging process is accompanied by inactivity, progressive loss of functionality22. Alves RS, Mota J, Costa MC, Alves JGB. Aptidão física relacionada à saúde de idosos: influência da hidroginástica. Rev Bras Med Esporte 2004; 10(1):31-37., and independence. Often the ability to perform daily life activities becomes restricted. Participations on physical activities that could help prevent functional loss by increasing physical fitness can be restricted due to age related physical constraints, thus developing a vicious cycle.

Also, physical activity can help improve health parameters: decreasing waist circumference, maintaining body mass index (BMI), normalizing body weight, maintaining bone mass, increasing strength and flexibility, and regulating lipid profile and glycemic control55. Nóbrega ACL, Freitas EV, Oliveira MAB, Leitão MB, Lazzoli JK, Nahas RM, Baptista CAS, Drummond FA, Rezende L, Pereira J, Pinto M, Randominski RB, Leite N, Thiele ES, Hernandez AJ, Araújo CGS, Teixeira JAC, Carvalho T, Borges SF, De Rose EH. Posicionamento oficial da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte e da Sociedade Brasileira de Geriatria e Gerontologia: atividade física e saúde no idoso. Rev Bras Med Esporte 1999; 5(6):207-211.. However, older adults have restricted opportunities to be physically active in order to prevent functional loss. Most opportunities are provided by gyms, however they can be held in alternative locations such as parks, at various times of the day in order to accommodate the elderly needs. Actually, simple activities such as walking and running can be very beneficial as long as they are systematic, progressive and planned22. Alves RS, Mota J, Costa MC, Alves JGB. Aptidão física relacionada à saúde de idosos: influência da hidroginástica. Rev Bras Med Esporte 2004; 10(1):31-37. , 88. Collet C, Chiaradia BM, Reis RS, Nascimento JV. Fatores determinantes para a realização de atividades físicas em parque urbano de Florianópolis. Rev Bras Ativ Fís Saúde 2008; 13(1):15-23..

Walking and running are relatively low cost health promoting activities that can be performed as a group or individually99. Adamoli AN, Silva MC, Azevedo MR. Prática da cami nhada no lazer na população adulta de Pelotas, RS. Rev Bras Ativ Fís Saúde 2011; 16(2):113-119.. With that in mind the "National Walking Program" in Portugal was developed. The program is innovative and wide-ranging, contributing to a better understanding of the logic-based health promotion walking intervention. The program was designed to contribute with improvements in elderly health through physical activities with qualified technical supervision. The present study investigated the effect of the "National Walking Program" (Portugal) in physical fitness, anthropometric measurements and depression symptoms of elderly participants.

Material and Methods

In this study, older adults aged 60 years or over were recruited to participate in the "National Walking Program" (NWP), which was conducted in the Centre of Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. All participants were recruited through advertisements in the local media. Participated on the study only subjects who were not engaged in regular physical activity, and were not on antidepressant medication. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants and research protocol was approved by the local Human Research Ethics Committee. All participants had their health status assessed by a physician, and the ones considered healthy to participate were included in the study. Also they had their health condition monitored during exercise by the physical therapist and physical education teacher. Vital signs and blood pressure were also verified in order to guarantee the participants safety. All subjects were evaluated at the beginning of NWP and 6 months after the intervention.

NWP Walking

and running intervention protocol

NWP sessions were performed 3 days/week during 6 months (72 exercise sessions in total). The sessions were instructed by a physical education staff member, ensuring adherence to the established walking protocol. All sessions comprised of a 10-minute warm-up, (calisthenics and stretching exercises), 20-30 minutes of walking at 50-75% HRReserve (Rating of Perceived Exertion - RPE of 4-6 on CR-10 scale) and 10 minutes cool-down (respiratory and flexibility exercises). Based on statement we used a gradual approach to increase training load over time until reach the target volume and intensity for walking program protocol1010. Wanderley FAC, Oliveira J, Mota J, Carvalho J. Effects of a moderate-intensity walking program on blood pressure, body composition and functional fitness in older women: results of a pilot study. Arch Exerc Health Dis 2010; 1(2):50-57. .

Questionnaire

Sociodemographic characteristics were assessed with a questionnaire investigating age, sex, years of study, income, and if they live with a partner. Also, we used Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) by Yesavage, a 30-item self-report assessment used to identify depression symptoms in the elderly people as recommended by World Health Organization/CID-10. This instrument was developed and validated in two studies1111. Montorio I, Izal M. The geriatric depression scale: a review of its development and utility. Int Psychogeriatr 1996; 8(1):103-112. and it is currently one of the most used depression self-reports. The GDS is a questionnaire answered "yes" or "no" and a score ≥ 10 is suggestive of depression. However this instrument was considered in a discrete scale for variation between 0 and 30 points.

Physical Fitness

The Functional Fitness Test1212. Rikli RE, Jones CJ. Reliability, validility, and methodological issues in assessing physical activity in older adults. Res Q Exerc Sport 2000; 71(Supl. 2):S89-96. developed by Rikli e Jones13 13. Rikli RE, Jones CJ. Development and validation of a functional fitness test for community-residing older adults. JAPA 1999; 7(2):129-161.that involves lower and upper body strength, aerobic endurance, lower and upper flexibility and motor agility through: "chair stand", "arm curl", "sit and reach", "back scratch", "up and go", "6-minute walk" were performed in order to evaluate the functional capacity.

Height, and body mass were measured by standardized procedures to calculate the body mass index [BMI = weight (Kg)/height (m)22. Alves RS, Mota J, Costa MC, Alves JGB. Aptidão física relacionada à saúde de idosos: influência da hidroginástica. Rev Bras Med Esporte 2004; 10(1):31-37.]. Body mass and percentage of body fat were measured simultaneously using Tanita MC 180 MA, a segmental multifrequency body composition monitor (Tanita Company, UK). The abdomen circumference was assessed at the midpoint between the iliac crest and the bottom of the ribcage using a spring-loaded measuring tape.

To measure habitual physical activity, all participants wore an accelerometer MTI Actigraph during seven days, at least 10 hours of using per day. The data were analysed with MAHUffe software using the count cutoffs for elderly people14 14. Copeland JL, Esliger DW. Accelerometer assessment of physical activity in active, healthy older adults. JAPA 2009; 17(1):17-30.as follow: sedentary time (0-100 min), light activity time (101-1040 min), moderate (1041-2503 min) and vigorous (more than 2540 min). This information was collected only at baseline to associate the initial physical inactivity with depression symptoms.

Statistical analyses

Data were analyzed using the statistical program SPSS, v.20 (Chicago, IL, USA). Categorical variables were summarized as frequencies and percentages and continuous variables as means and standard deviation (SD). For comparisons between groups we used chi-square and student´s t test. To analyze differences in time we used paired- samples t-test. P values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Initially, 30 older adults composed the study sample but only 26 completed the NWP, being 17 (65.4%) women and 9 (34.6%) men. Regarding sample characteristics we observed that 15 (57.7%) live with a partner, the average of age was 65.5 ± 4.75 years, height was 1.59 ± 0.81 cm, years of schooling was 9.63 ± 5.38 years and income 1.092 ± 832 euros.

The frequency of depression before the intervention program was 30.8% with mean score of 8.03 ± 5.17. The habitual physical activity in the first week (before intervention) was 146.40 ± 42.04 minutes of light activity, 52.22 ± 21.96 minutes of moderate activity and 33.59 ± 20.65 of vigorous activity. The older adults with depression symptoms showed lower physical activity levels than older adults with no depression symptoms as in moderate physical activity (39.57 ± 14.37 vs. 58.13 ± 22.70; p ≤ 0.032) and in vigorous physical activity (19.57 ± 22.72 vs. 40.13 ± 16.57; p ≤ 0.026). However, no alterations were observed between older adults with and without depression symptoms in total minutes of light physical activity (142.57 ± 38.7 vs. 148.20 ± 44.67; p ≤ 0.778) and sedentary time (599.28 ± 152.98 vs. 563.00 ± 58.06; p ≤ 0.563).

In fact we found no significant differences in regard to physical fitness at baseline and at post test between depressed and not depressed participants so the statistical analysis were conducted as one group. Table 1shows the effects of NWP on anthropometric parameters, depression scale and physical fitness tests of all research participants. As we can see the intervention had effect on remission of depressive symptoms (p ≤ 0.001) and in some physical fitness parameters such as 6-minute-walk (p ≤ 0.002), arm curl (p ≤ 0.001), chair stand (p ≤ 0.010), "up and go" (p ≤ 0.001), and the abdominal circumference significantly decreased of all research participants (p ≤ 0.031).

Table 1.
Effects of "National Walking Program" on anthropometric parameters, depressive symptoms scale and physical fitness tests.

There was no significant differences in frequency of depression (p = 0.215) from baseline (30.8%) to post intervention (11.5%). However, when we look at the depression symptoms average score we found a significant reduction form baseline (8.03 ± 5.17) and post intervention (5.0 ± 3.18) (p ≤ 0.001) (Table 1).

Discussion

Our findings showed that supervised "National Walking Program" in elderly people is able to attenuate physiological decline during aging as demonstrated by the increase physical fitness tests scores, decrease of abdominal circumference and mainly by the remission of depressive symptoms.

The prevalence of depression observed in our study was high (30.8%), which is in line with other studies conducted in other countries.33. Pinho MX, Custódio O, Makdisse M. Incidência de depressão e fatores associados em idosos residentes na comunidade: revisão de literatura. Rev Bras Geriatr Gerontol 2009; 12(1):123-140. , 44. Silva E, Paniz V, Laste G, Torres I. Prevalência de morbidades e sintomas em idosos: um estudo comparativo entre zonas rural e urbana. Cien Saude Colet 2013; 18(4):1029-1040. , 1515. Bhamani MA, Karim MS, Khan MM. Depression in the elderly in Karachi, Pakistan: a cross sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2013; 13(1):181-188.

16. Volkert J, Schulz H, Härter M, Wlodarczyk O, Andreas S. The prevalence of mental disorders in older people in Western countries - a meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev 2013; 12(1):339-353.
- 1717. Ferreira PCS, Tavares DMS. Prevalence and factors associated with the rates of depression among elderly residents in rural areas. Rev Esc Enferm 2013; 47(2):401-407.. Some authors suggested that a decrease in mood in elderly people results in a depressive episode, mostly by the decline associated with aging such as: situations of continuous losses, decrease of familiar support and occupational status, and a continuous physical decline and diseases prevalence1818. Garcia A, Passos A, Campo AT, Pinheiro E, Barroso F, Coutinho G. A depressão e o processo de envelhecimento. Ciênc e Cogn 2005; 7(1):111-121..

Participation on the program decreased depressive symptoms. Similar results have been reported by other studies in regard to exercise-based interventions1919. McKercher CM, Schmidt MD, Sanderson KA, Patton GC, Dwyer T, Venn AJ. Physical activity and depression in young adults. Am J Prev Med 2009; 36(2):161-164. , 2020. Blumenthal JA, Babyak MA, Moore KA, Craighead WE, Herman S, Khatri P, Waugh R, Napolitano MA, Forman LM, Appelbaum M, Doraiswamy PM, Krishnan KR. Effects of exercise training on older patients with major depression. Arch Intern Med 1999; 159(19):2349-2356.. In fact, studies comparing different age groups, found that exercise-based intervention are more effective in reduction of depressive symptoms in this age group2121. Hassmen P, Koivula N, Uutela A. Physical exercise and psychological well-being: a population study in Finland. Prev Med 2000; 30(1):17-25. , 2222. Fukukawa Y, Nakashima C, Tsuboi S, Kozakai R, Doyo W, Niino N, Ando F, Shimokata H. Age differences in the effect of physical activity on depressive symptoms. Psychol Aging 2004; 19(2):346-351.. Additionally, exercise-based intervention is as effective in remission of depressive symptoms as drug intervention and psicotherapy2020. Blumenthal JA, Babyak MA, Moore KA, Craighead WE, Herman S, Khatri P, Waugh R, Napolitano MA, Forman LM, Appelbaum M, Doraiswamy PM, Krishnan KR. Effects of exercise training on older patients with major depression. Arch Intern Med 1999; 159(19):2349-2356. , 2323. Oliveira ACB. Estudo comparativo dos efeitos da atividade física com os da terapêutica medicamentosa em idosos com depressão maior [tese]. São Paulo (SP): Universidade de São Paulo; 2005.. Physical activity has the advantage of in addition to decreasing depressive symptoms to increase levels of physical health in elderly people.

Elders with depression spent less time in moderate and vigorous physical activity at the beginning of our study, like in other studies2424. Hollenberg M, Haight T, Tager IB. Depression decreases cardiorespiratory fitness in older women. J Clin Epidemiol 2003; 56(11):1111-1117. , 2525. Strawbridge WJ, Deleger S, Roberts RE, Kaplan GA. Physical activity reduces the risk of subsequent depression for older adults. Am J Epidemiol 2002; 156(4):328-334.. Physical activity was measured in a cross-sectional manner only at the beginning of the study. In a cross-sectional study we cannot identify the effect of causality of physical inactivity with depression, but it's association has been previously reported2626. Lampinen P, Heikkinen RL, Ruoppila I. Changes in intensity of physical exercise as predictors of depressive symptoms among older adults: an eight-year follow-up. Prev Med 2000; 30(5):371-380.. Nevertheless, longitudinal studies have shown that older adults that decrease intensity in physical activityengagement2626. Lampinen P, Heikkinen RL, Ruoppila I. Changes in intensity of physical exercise as predictors of depressive symptoms among older adults: an eight-year follow-up. Prev Med 2000; 30(5):371-380., and in physical fitness77. Choi YH, Lee CJ. Effects of a recreational combination gymnastics program for old-old women. J Korean Acad Nurs 2012; 42(6):843-852. have more depressive symptoms compared to those who remain active throughout life2626. Lampinen P, Heikkinen RL, Ruoppila I. Changes in intensity of physical exercise as predictors of depressive symptoms among older adults: an eight-year follow-up. Prev Med 2000; 30(5):371-380..

Physical fitness can act as a protective factor in the central nervous system, increasing survival, vascularization, neuronal stimulation and formation; ensuring an increase of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine) in the bloodstream, which during depression are dramatically reduced55. Nóbrega ACL, Freitas EV, Oliveira MAB, Leitão MB, Lazzoli JK, Nahas RM, Baptista CAS, Drummond FA, Rezende L, Pereira J, Pinto M, Randominski RB, Leite N, Thiele ES, Hernandez AJ, Araújo CGS, Teixeira JAC, Carvalho T, Borges SF, De Rose EH. Posicionamento oficial da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte e da Sociedade Brasileira de Geriatria e Gerontologia: atividade física e saúde no idoso. Rev Bras Med Esporte 1999; 5(6):207-211. , 2727. Godoy RF. Benefícios do exercício físico sobre a área emocional. Rev Movimento 2002; 8(2):7-15.. The neurologic changes contributes to the construction of individual's personality increasing the ability to deal with tensions and frustrations, and raises levels of self-esteem28 28. Werneck FZ, Bara Filho MG, Ribeiro LCS. Mecanismos de melhoria do humor após o exercício: Revisitando a hipótese das endorfinas. Rev Bra Ci e Mov 2005; 13(2):135-144.through behavioral modeling2929. Guszkowska M. Effects of exercise on anxiety, depression and mood. Psychiatr Pol 2004; 38(4):611-620.. Group socialization are also related to improvements in depressive symptoms promoting acquaintanceship, working as a support network, reaffirming personal identity, extending expressiveness, encouraging new friendships and fostering self-development to overcome the anxiety, uncertainty and insecurities3030. Garcia MAA, Yagi GH, Souza CS, Odoni APC, Frigério RM, Merlin SS. Atenção à saúde em grupos sob a perspectiva dos idosos. Rev Latino-Am de Enfermagem 2006; 14(2):175-182..

Our intervention design consisted of walking group sessions supervised by certified physical education professional. Studies comparing the effectiveness of physical exercise intervention showed that the benefits are more expressive when supervised3131. Rybarczyk B, DeMarco G, DeLaCruz M, Lapidos S. Comparing mind-body wellness interventions for older adults with chronic illness: classroom versus home instruction. Behav Med 1999; 24(4):181-190.. The sessions consisted of strength and flexibility exercises, and most importantly of an aerobic exercise: walking. This being one of the physical activities largely available to the population to become physically active, especially because it does not demand the use of special equipment and presents little risk of injury88. Collet C, Chiaradia BM, Reis RS, Nascimento JV. Fatores determinantes para a realização de atividades físicas em parque urbano de Florianópolis. Rev Bras Ativ Fís Saúde 2008; 13(1):15-23. , 99. Adamoli AN, Silva MC, Azevedo MR. Prática da cami nhada no lazer na população adulta de Pelotas, RS. Rev Bras Ativ Fís Saúde 2011; 16(2):113-119. , 3232. Eyler AA, Brownson RC, Bacak SJ, Housemann RA. The epidemiology of walk ing for physical activity in the United States. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2003; 35(9): 1529-1536.. The literature reports that walking is predominantly performed outdoors3131. Rybarczyk B, DeMarco G, DeLaCruz M, Lapidos S. Comparing mind-body wellness interventions for older adults with chronic illness: classroom versus home instruction. Behav Med 1999; 24(4):181-190. and although walking as physical-exercise is still scarcely practiced99. Adamoli AN, Silva MC, Azevedo MR. Prática da cami nhada no lazer na população adulta de Pelotas, RS. Rev Bras Ativ Fís Saúde 2011; 16(2):113-119..

Regarding physical fitness tests, we assessed flexibility, strength, resistance, mobility, dynamic balance, aerobic resistance before and after 6 months of the intervention. After the intervention, the older adults showed improvements in physical fitness tests. However, both flexibility tests demonstrated that the intervention was not able to overcome the passive tension and stiffness of skeletal muscles, significantly. The program did not focus on improving flexibility and little time was dedicated to stretching; also back pain22. Alves RS, Mota J, Costa MC, Alves JGB. Aptidão física relacionada à saúde de idosos: influência da hidroginástica. Rev Bras Med Esporte 2004; 10(1):31-37.frequently reported by the elderly possibly limited the execution of movement required by the test. However, preserving mobility is in fact an indication of health improvement, since the elasticity of tendons, ligaments and joint capsules decrease over the years due to collagen decline, causing a decrease 8-10 cm of flexibility in the lower back and hip3333. Rebelatto JR, Calvo JI, Orejuela JR, Portillo JC. Influência de um programa de atividade física de longa duração sobre a força muscular manual e a flexibilidade corporal de mulheres idosas. Rev Bras Fisioter 2006; 10(1):127-132..

In the literature, it has been reported that strength decrease 15%, between sixth and seventh decades of age, a similar age to our study sample3434. Harries JM, Bassey EJ. Torque- velocity relationship for the knee stensors en women in their 3th na 7rd decades. Eur J Appl Physiol 1990; 60(3):187-190.. Indeed, the participants not only maintained their physical fitness levels but also showed significant gains in muscle strength, which aids the performance of daily activities.

Aerobic test (6-minute test) showed significant improvement as a result of the walking intervention. Even if not measured directly, we highlight that the intervention was able to improve cardiovascular and respiratory capacity. Other studies showed that exercise increases aerobic power 10-40%, especially by increasing the arteriovenous oxygen difference, stroke volume, cardiac output, plasma volume and blood3535. Matsudo SM, Matsudo VKR, Barros Neto TL. Efeitos benéficos da atividade física na aptidão física e saúde mental durante o processo de envelhecimento. Rev Bras Ativ Fís Saúde 2000; 5(2):60-76..

The intervention was not able to change significantly fat percentage and body weight. On the other hand, abdominal circumference, one of the most important aspects of cardiovascular health related to central obesity3636. Lemieux S, Prud'homme D, Bouchard C, Tremblay A, Després JP. A single threshold value of waist girth identifies normal-weight and overweight subjects with excess visceral adipose tissue. Am J Clin Nutr 1996; 64(5): 685-693.

37. Sarno F, Monteiro CA. Relative importance of body mass index and waist circumference for hypertension in adults. Rev Saude Publica 2007; 41(5):788-796.
- 3838. Mota JF, Rinaldi AEM, Pereira AF, Orsatti FL, Burini RC. Indicadores antropométricos como marcadores de risco para anormalidades metabólicas. Cien Saude Colet 2011; 16(9):3901-3908., decreased significantly. Other studies showed benefits of exercise programs for physical health of the elderly, as an important prophylactic measure to delay the loss of natural physiological flexibility, strength, physical fitness and anthropometric measurements with advancing age22. Alves RS, Mota J, Costa MC, Alves JGB. Aptidão física relacionada à saúde de idosos: influência da hidroginástica. Rev Bras Med Esporte 2004; 10(1):31-37. , 2020. Blumenthal JA, Babyak MA, Moore KA, Craighead WE, Herman S, Khatri P, Waugh R, Napolitano MA, Forman LM, Appelbaum M, Doraiswamy PM, Krishnan KR. Effects of exercise training on older patients with major depression. Arch Intern Med 1999; 159(19):2349-2356. , 3333. Rebelatto JR, Calvo JI, Orejuela JR, Portillo JC. Influência de um programa de atividade física de longa duração sobre a força muscular manual e a flexibilidade corporal de mulheres idosas. Rev Bras Fisioter 2006; 10(1):127-132. , 3939. Carvalho J, Soares JMC. Envelhecimento e força muscular - breve revisão. Rev Port Cien Desp 2004; 4(3):79-93. , 4040. Sá ACAM, Bachion MM, Menezes RL. Exercício físico para prevenção de quedas: ensaio clínico com idosos institucionalizados em Goiânia, Brasil. Cien Saude Colet 2012; 17(8):2117-2127..

However our study breaks new ground because investigates the impact of a national initiative, based on a walking program focused on health, relatively easy to implement, and rarely reported in the literature.

One of the limitations is the lack of a control group to compare the results of the intervention. Also the small number of elderly participants, it is possible that with a larger sample size the associations tested would have greater statistical power. Our focus was on physical fitness and not on physical activity levels.

Due to that we measured physical activity only before the intervention started to establish physical activity levels and differences between depressed and not depressed participants. We believe future studies should also assess physical activity levels after the intervention in order to investigate possible behavioral changes related to physical activity engagement. Some strengths of our study refers to the assessment of an intervention based on an innovative program at the national walking, allowing through repeated measurements establish the benefits to physical and psychological health of the elderly. The intervention was guided by physical educators and assisted by a physical therapist to aid with injuries prevention.

The present results are important to inform the elderly population and the scientific community about the benefits of a walking program for seniors. The walking program here presented is an effective, feasible, preventive strategy. The program is cost effective and can contribute to public health system improvement by minimizing social and health care costs. Also, as a social policy, the intervention is effective in creating opportunities for physical activity engagement with gender and age equality.

Lifestyle changes with inclusion of exercises and reduction of sedentary behaviors contributes to effectively minimize risk factors for chronic diseases. This study found improvements in the overall health of the elderly including a reduction of depressive symptoms and anthropometric measures as was as an increase in physical fitness after 6 months of walking program.

References

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    Reichert CL, Diogo CL, Vieira JL, Dalacorte RR. Physical activity and depressive symptoms in community-dwelling elders from southern Brazil. Rev Bras Psiquiatr 2011; 33(2):165-170.
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    Alves RS, Mota J, Costa MC, Alves JGB. Aptidão física relacionada à saúde de idosos: influência da hidroginástica. Rev Bras Med Esporte 2004; 10(1):31-37.
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    Pinho MX, Custódio O, Makdisse M. Incidência de depressão e fatores associados em idosos residentes na comunidade: revisão de literatura. Rev Bras Geriatr Gerontol 2009; 12(1):123-140.
  • 4
    Silva E, Paniz V, Laste G, Torres I. Prevalência de morbidades e sintomas em idosos: um estudo comparativo entre zonas rural e urbana. Cien Saude Colet 2013; 18(4):1029-1040.
  • 5
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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    Mar 2015

History

  • Received
    22 Apr 2014
  • Accepted
    11 Aug 2014
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