ACTIVA-Senior: Study Design and Protocol for a Preliminary Multidomain Outdoor Intervention Promoting Healthy Aging and Mitigating Psycho-Physiological Decline

The global aging trend increases chronic diseases and lowers quality of life. Exercise is vital for physiological, cognitive, and mental health, countering age-related decline. Outdoor multidomain interventions enhance adherence, motivation, and resilience, supporting independence and well-being. Objectives: This paper aimed to apply an outdoor exercise protocol for middle-aged and older people and to study its preliminary effects on cognitive state, body composition, cardiovascular health, physical fitness, physiological function, physical activity, frailty, incidence of sarcopenia, and satisfaction with life. Methods: This protocol describes an eighteen-week, two-pronged, parallel, single-blind randomized controlled trial. This paper complies with the Consort and SPIRIT guidelines. A cohort comprising a minimum of fifty-two older adults from the University for Seniors program will be equally allocated to a multidomain training group (TG) and a passive control group (CG). Intervention: The TG will follow a multidomain outdoor intervention twice a week for a complete duration of 18 weeks, with recommendations for additional autonomous cardiorespiratory training. The supervised sessions will be divided into a 10-minute warm-up session focusing on activation and joint mobility, followed by 40 min of resistance training, cardiorespiratory training, and balance and coordination; and it concludes with a 10-minute cool-down featuring flexibility, relaxation, and playful emotional intelligence tasks. Cognitive training will be integrated across different parts of the session. Conclusions: This preliminary study aims to explore the feasibility and potential effectiveness of outdoor multidomain training in improving the health of older adults. Importantly, by including late middle-aged adults from the age of 55, this study also aims to explore the potential of preventive strategies initiated before reaching old age. This reflects a broader conceptualization of healthy aging as a lifelong process, where early interventions may help mitigate decline and extend independence into later life. The partnership between health professionals and physical activity fosters independence for older adults, addressing the increasing burden on health services.