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Physical Activity, Healthy Lifestyle and Well-Being Across the Lifespan

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A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Assessments".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 22753

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Luis Cid

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Guest Editor

1. Sport Sciences School of Rio Maior, Polytechnic of Santarém (ESDRM-IPSantarém), 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal
2. Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Interests: motivational determinants in sport; physical activity; exercise; physical education; sedentary behavior; exercise adherence; healthy lifestyle; well-being; sport dropout and persistence
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Teresa Bento

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Guest Editor

1. Sport Sciences School of Rio Maior, Polytechnic Institute of Santarém (ESDRM-IPSantarém), 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal
2. Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Interests: physical activity assessment; physical activity levels and patterns; sedentary behavior; health-related physical activity, with a focus on adults and older adults
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Nuno Couto

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant

1. Sport Sciences School of Rio Maior, Polytechnic of Santarém (ESDRM-IPSantarém), 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal
2. Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Interests: physical activity; health-related physical activity; well-being; sport and exercise psychology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The advantages of maintaining a physically active lifestyle for health and well-being across various life stages are widely recognized and supported by research. However, physical inactivity is a prevalent issue across all ages worldwide and represents an increased risk for health problems. High-priority action is necessary to effectively encourage active lifestyles and health. In this context, research is essential to widely comprehend the several factors that influence the relationship between physical activity behaviour and health and well-being during life. Moreover, it is important to increase the body of scientific knowledge that may support decisions for future interventions in individuals in distinct stages of life.

This Special Issue of Healthcare offers a platform for publishing research exploring the determinants and consequences of an active lifestyle to promote health and well-being through lifespan. We eagerly anticipate the submission of original research studies that delve into various forms of physical activity within diverse contexts across all stages of life. We encourage papers employing different research methodologies, spanning various time periods and encompassing life events.

We are particularly interested in papers that follow the trajectory of physical activity across all stages of life, specifically those exploring the relationships between physical activity, healthy lifestyles, health, well-being and the quality of life, and also about the determinants and consequences of inactivity or sedentary behaviour. Additionally, we welcome studies that investigate the factors influencing physical activity throughout the lifespan.

Dr. Luis Cid
Dr. Teresa Bento
Guest Editors

Dr. Nuno Couto
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

physical activity
exercise
health
healthy lifestyle
well-being
quality of life
sedentary behaviour
behaviour regulation

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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15 pages, 242 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Environmental and Intrapersonal Factors on Leisure-Time Physical Activity of Chinese Rural Older People in Zhejiang Province

by Jiabin Yu, Jiayi Zhou, Xiaoguang Zhao, Huiming Huang, Beibei Si, Dawei Zhang, Chuang Gao and Junqi Jia

Healthcare 2025, 13(11), 1244; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13111244 - 25 May 2025

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of built environment and intrapersonal factors with leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), and the possible moderating effect of intrapersonal factors on the association between the built environment and LTPA. Methods: A total of 514 older people in the village of Fuwen were included in this study. Data on LTPA, intrapersonal factors (social, fitness, medical, benefits/challenges, recognition), and the built environment (traffic safety, street connectivity, walking facilities, access to services, crime safety, aesthetics, residential density, land use mix diversity) were collected. Multivariate linear regression analysis with the “enter” method was conducted to analyze the association of perceived scores of built environment and intrapersonal factors with LTPA. Results: Among the intrapersonal factors, fitness was positively related to LTPA (p = 0.012). Among the built environment factors, traffic safety (p = 0.02) and crime safety (p = 0.047) were positively related to LTPA, while walking facilities was negatively associated with LTPA (p = 0.007). Additionally, fitness had a significant moderating effect on the association between walking facilities and LTPA (p = 0.025). Conclusions: Older people with higher fitness requirements and better perceived traffic safety and crime safety tend to engage in greater levels of LTPA. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, particularly in designing ecologically livable villages that promote physical activity among older populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Healthy Lifestyle and Well-Being Across the Lifespan)

15 pages, 486 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Association Between Healthy Lifestyle and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

by Rouba Khalil Naaman, Shoug Alashmali, Manar Abduljalil Bakhsh, Shomookh Ahmed Alneami, Elaf Saeed Algamdi, Ghaday Abdulwahab Al-Ghamdi and Shouq Mohammed Alqarni

Healthcare 2025, 13(10), 1140; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13101140 - 14 May 2025

Viewed by 194

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The adherence to a healthy lifestyle is important for supporting healthy cognitive function as aging progresses. This study aimed to assess the association between a healthy lifestyle, specifically diet quality, physical activity, and smoking, and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among participants aged 45 and older with normal cognition. Participants’ cognitive performance was assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Dietary intake was assessed using a 24 h dietary recall, and diet quality was assessed using the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I). Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Participants were categorized as unhealthy (score ≤ 1), average (score 2), and healthy (score 3). Results: In this study, a total of 176 participants were recruited, 46% of them were classified as unhealthy, 40% was average, and 14% as healthy. Participants in the unhealthy group had lower performance in the naming cognitive domain compared to the other groups (p = 0.01). Participants in the average group scored significantly lower than the other groups in the orientation domain (p = 0.02). Performing moderate and high physical activity levels were significantly associated with higher scores of MoCA (p = 0.04) and in the naming domain (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Adopting a healthy lifestyle is associated with maintaining cognitive health among middle-aged and older adults, supporting the relevance of multidomain lifestyle interventions. Further longitudinal research is warranted to evaluate the long-term feasibility and effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Healthy Lifestyle and Well-Being Across the Lifespan)

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13 pages, 994 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Sleep Quality on Recovery and Performance in Endurance and Ultra-Endurance Runners: Sex Differences Identified Through Hierarchical Clustering

by Julia Pagotto Matos, Larissa Quintão Guilherme, Samuel Gonçalves Almeida da Encarnação, Luciano Bernardes Leite, Pedro Forte, Ana Claudia Pelissari Kravchychyn, Paulo Roberto dos Santos Amorim and Helton de Sá Souza

Healthcare 2025, 13(7), 812; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13070812 - 3 Apr 2025

Viewed by 894

Abstract

Background: Assessing sleep quality is essential in sports science, particularly in ultra-endurance sports, where recovery is critical for performance and health. Objective: This study aimed to identify sleep quality patterns among endurance and ultra-endurance athletes using hierarchical clustering analysis, with comparisons by sex and modality. Method: Data were collected during the La Misión Brasil competitions in 2023 and 2024, using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The questionnaire was emailed to all registered runners two weeks before the event. A total of 490 athletes participated, including 276 men (mean ± SD age: 43 ± 11 years) and 214 women (mean ± SD age: 43 ± 13 years). Statistical analyses included Cohen’s d and r effect sizes, and a 95% confidence interval for hypothesis testing. Residuals between-cluster proportions were assessed within a range of −3.3, ensuring a 99.7% confidence level for significant differences. Results: The results showed that endurance runners had better sleep quality, with most scoring low on the PSQI. In contrast, ultra-endurance athletes displayed greater variability, with a higher prevalence of poor sleep quality, particularly in women. Conclusions: The hierarchical clustering method effectively identified distinct sleep patterns, providing insights into the dynamics of recovery and performance. These findings highlight the impact of increased physical and psychological demands in ultra-endurance sports and emphasize the need for tailored sleep monitoring strategies to optimize the recovery and performance of athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Healthy Lifestyle and Well-Being Across the Lifespan)

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14 pages, 997 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unhealthy Lifestyle Contributes to Negative Mental Health and Poor Quality of Life in Young University Students

by Felipe Caamaño-Navarrete, Esteban Saavedra-Vallejos, Iris Paola Guzmán-Guzmán, Carlos Arriagada-Hernández, Gerardo Fuentes-Vilugrón, Lorena Jara-Tomckowiack, Roberto Lagos-Hernández, Paola Fuentes-Merino, Cristian Alvarez and Pedro Delgado-Floody

Healthcare 2024, 12(22), 2213; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12222213 - 6 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3815

Abstract

Background: A negative lifestyle is reported to be related to poor mental health and quality of life (QOL). However, there is little information on this in university students. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between mental health (i.e., anxiety, depression symptoms and stress), QOL, SWLS and lifestyle parameters (i.e., PA, sleep duration, ST and food habits) among Chilean university students and then to determine the differences in mental health, QOL, SWLS and lifestyle parameters according to gender. Methods: This cross-sectional study included a total of 211 university students (128 females and 83 males) aged 18–28 years. Mental health, QOL and lifestyle were measured through validated questionnaires. Results: Bad food habits (lowest score in the food survey) were linked to anxiety (2.3 [0.22–4.36], p = 0.03), depressive symptoms (3.75 [1.54–5.9], p = 0.001) and stress (2.24 [0.31–4.17], p = 0.023). Furthermore, <6 h of sleep was related to poorer mental health (13.5 [7.6–19.5], p = 0.001), anxiety (4.2 [2.0–6.4], p < 0.001), depressive symptoms (5.5 [3.2–7.9], p < 0.001) and stress (3.8 [1.8–5.9], p < 0.001). In addition, ≥4 h of ST was linked positively to negative mental health (8.3 [2.86–13.7], p = 0.003), depressive symptoms (3.45 [1.47–5.4], p = 0.001) and anxiety (3.2 [1.05–5.4], p = 0.004). Non-physical activity was related to the scores for anxiety (2.6 [0.20–5.0], p = 0.030), depression (2.7 [0.009–5.3], p = 0.049) and stress (2.4 [0.12–4.7], p = 0.039). Conclusions: this study showed that unhealthy lifestyle factors (i.e., insufficient sleep, lack of PA and prolonged ST) were strongly associated with poorer mental health and QOL in university students. These findings highlight the importance of addressing these aspects of lifestyle in intervention and health promotion programs aimed at young university students in order to improve their mental health and overall QOL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Healthy Lifestyle and Well-Being Across the Lifespan)

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10 pages, 618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study of Physical Activity, Leisure Preferences, and Sedentary Behavior among Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish University Students

by Rui Paulo, André Ramalho, Isabella Scursatone, Maria Caire, Nicolás Bores Calle, Daniel Bores-García, María Espada, Miguel Rebelo and Pedro Duarte-Mendes

Healthcare 2024, 12(19), 1930; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12191930 - 26 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1210

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to describe and compare the levels of physical activity, preferences for leisure-time physical activity, and the frequency of non-sedentary behaviors of Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish students attending higher education. Methods: A total of 1354 students (21.2 ± 2.9 years) participated in the study, with data collected through an online questionnaire for 6 months. Results: The highest levels of sedentary behavior are found among Spanish students, followed by the Portuguese, and lastly the Italians. In relation to physical activity levels, Spanish students perform more low and moderate physical activity, while Italian students perform more vigorous activities and naturally have a lower level of sedentary behavior. Conclusions: However, it is worth highlighting that students from all three countries reach the minimum levels of physical activity recommended by the WHO. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Healthy Lifestyle and Well-Being Across the Lifespan)

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13 pages, 260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Relationship between Fundamental Movement Skills and Health-Related Fitness among First and Second Graders in Korea: Implications for Healthy Childhood Development

by Se-Won Park, Sung-Ho Yoon and Seung-Man Lee

Healthcare 2024, 12(16), 1629; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12161629 - 16 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1306

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between fundamental movement skills (FMSs) and health-related fitness (HRF) among first and second graders in South Korean elementary schools. It aimed to provide foundational data for developing physical education programs tailored to the motor development stages and fitness levels of younger elementary school students. This study utilized secondary data from the physical activity competence evaluation conducted by the Health Physical Activity Institute (HPAI). In October 2023, the HPAI evaluated the fundamental movement skills (jumping, running, hopping, static balance, dynamic balance, overhand throwing, and kicking) and health-related fitness (muscular strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, and flexibility) of 291 first and second-grade students. The collected data were analyzed through frequency and multiple regression analyses performed using SPSS software. The results revealed that higher scores in jumping and hopping are associated with greater muscular strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, and flexibility. Running had no significant effect on HRF elements. Higher scores in static balance (i.e., that used in single-leg stance) were associated with increased muscular strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, and flexibility, but dynamic balance (balance beam walking) did not have a significant effect. Higher scores in overhand throwing were associated with greater muscular strength and cardiorespiratory endurance, but kicking did not show a significant association. Overall, these findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing jumping and static balance in physical education for the well-rounded health development of first and second graders. Based on the results derived from this study, it is expected to serve as a theoretical basis for including “jumping” and “static balance” in the first and second grade curriculum of elementary schools, thereby providing essential guidance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Healthy Lifestyle and Well-Being Across the Lifespan)

14 pages, 315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity, Anxiety, Depression, and Body Image in Trans Individuals: An Exploratory Study

by Joana Oliveira, Diogo Monteiro, Miguel Jacinto, Rui Matos, Nuno Amaro, Filipe Rodrigues and Raúl Antunes

Healthcare 2024, 12(10), 1008; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12101008 - 14 May 2024

Viewed by 2124

Abstract

Physical activity (PA), mental health, and body image are some important health topics in the transgender population that have been recently discussed and appear to play a crucial role in the quality of life of the trans population. This study aims to elucidate the complex interplay of these variables and their implications for the well-being of trans individuals. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 75 Portuguese transgender individuals (M = 23.68; SD ± 6.59) were recruited to participate in this study. The participants completed three questionnaires related to the assessment of physical activity (IPAQ), depressive and anxious symptomatology (HADS), and satisfaction with body image (BISQp). Results: Trans individuals showed a total energy expenditure of 3316.40 metabolic equivalent tasks (METS), had a moderate level of anxiety symptomatology, and low levels of satisfaction with body image. Satisfaction with body image was negatively associated with anxiety (r = −0.441, p < 0.01) and depression symptomatology (r = −0.600, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The implementation of inclusive programs that promote body acceptance and coping strategies, particularly within the context of physical exercise, may help alleviate distress related to body image dissatisfaction while also addressing underlying anxiety and depression symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Healthy Lifestyle and Well-Being Across the Lifespan)

10 pages, 286 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations between Fluid Intelligence and Physical Fitness in School Children

by Borja Bazalo, Verónica Morales-Sánchez, Nuria Pérez-Romero, Falonn Contreras-Osorio, Christian Campos-Jara, Antonio Hernández-Mendo and Rafael E. Reigal

Healthcare 2024, 12(10), 963; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12100963 - 8 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2988

Abstract

Previous research has highlighted that active lifestyles that contribute to improved physical fitness are positively related to cognitive functioning in children and adolescents. Specifically, the increase in physical condition at school age is considered relevant because it is related to better cognitive ability and greater academic performance. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between explosive strength, speed–agility, and fluid reasoning in schoolchildren. To achieve this objective, an associative, comparative, and predictive design was used in this research. A total of 129 children participated in this study (age: M = 9.48; SD = 0.99). To assess fluid reasoning, the Raven test’s Standard Progressive Matrices Subtest and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) were used. To assess physical fitness, the speed–agility test and the horizontal jump test (ALPHA-fitness battery tests), as well as the ball throw test (2 kg), were used. The results showed that the speed–agility test significantly predicted WISC-V Fluid Reasoning Index scores, and the medicine ball toss test significantly predicted Raven test scores. The results obtained highlight the associations between physical condition at these ages and fluid intelligence. This suggests that promoting active lifestyles that improve physical fitness could have a positive impact on children’s cognitive health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Healthy Lifestyle and Well-Being Across the Lifespan)

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12 pages, 1169 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Exercising4Cognition: Can Short Bouts of Aerobic Exercise Improve Cognitive Performance in Healthy Adults for Primary Health Prevention? Previous Findings and Suggestions for the Future

by Cornelia Herbert

Healthcare 2025, 13(4), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13040368 - 10 Feb 2025

Viewed by 2119

Abstract

Background: Regular physical activity (PA) and regular exercise (RE) are essential for an active and healthy lifestyle. Additionally, the short-term effects have been investigated to understand how an acute bout of exercise impacts cognitive processing, an important aspect of mental health and well-being. Previous studies have confirmed positive effects. However, several exercise factors and human factors can influence this relationship. Aim/Methods/Results: This perspective paper has three main objectives: firstly, discussing the exercise and human factors that influence exercise-cognition effects significantly across studies according to previous reviews and meta-analytic studies and how this influence could be explained theoretically; secondly, highlighting important knowledge gaps and research questions for future research; and thirdly, discussing what conclusion can be drawn for cognitive health promotion. A particular focus is given to the effects of acute bouts of aerobic exercise and healthy adults as an important target group for primary health prevention. Conclusions: The summary of previous findings shows that the effects of an acute bout of aerobic exercise on cognitive performance in healthy adults depend on (a) exercise factors such as the duration and intensity of the acute bout of exercise, (b) cognitive factors such as the type of cognitive task and domain of cognitive functions, and (c) individual factors such as the physical activity of the individuals. Still, open questions concern the ideal duration, intensity and timing of the acute bout of exercise. In particular, more research is needed to determine whether and how aerobic exercises of short duration and an intensity above and especially below moderate intensity improve cognitive functions in healthy adults. Methodologically, these factors should be addressed by multimethod designs that consider intra- and interindividual comparisons and different response levels (self-report, behavioral, psychophysiological). In conclusion, answering these questions could pave the way for recommendations on how healthcare professionals should prescribe brief aerobic exercise as a cognitive health booster in healthy young adults. To this end, concepts of extended arousal and neurovisceral integration are useful framework models to include individual factors, like self-regulatory abilities of the individual and how these influence exercise-cognition interactions and exercise motivation during, pre-to-post and across testing sessions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Healthy Lifestyle and Well-Being Across the Lifespan)

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21 pages, 788 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Wellbeing and Retirement in Europe: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

by Andreia P. Teques, Joana Carreiro, Daniel Duarte and Pedro Teques

Healthcare 2025, 13(2), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13020100 - 7 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1619

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Given the observed increase in life expectancy within Europe, it is anticipated that there will be a growing number of retirees and a lengthening of the retirement phase for individuals. This has brought attention to the examination of how the disengagement from professional endeavors influences overall wellbeing. The objective of this investigation was to conduct a comprehensive literature review spanning the period from 1998 to 2024, focusing on the intersection of retirement and wellbeing. Methods: This review (PROSPERO reference: CRD42024621454) was based on scientific articles available in PsycInfo, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science, resulting in the inclusion of 32 articles in the systematic review, of which 12 were eligible for meta-analysis. The quality of evidence was evaluated based on the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies checklist. Results: The meta-analysis results revealed that the observed effect size was d = 0.383, considered moderate. This value was statistically significant (Z = 3.197; p = 0.001) with a 95% CI [0.148, 0.617]. The publications were subjected to qualitative analysis, taking into account study type and thematic content. The discernible outcomes were categorized as follows: (1) expectations regarding retirement, (2) preparation for retirement, (3) family relations and grandparenting, (4) quality of life and satisfaction with retirement, and (5) health consequences of retirement. Conclusions: The prevalent approach predominantly comprised quantitative investigations, with a particular focus on exploring the nexus between retirement and health implications, particularly in the context of European participants. This emphasis on health consequences provides a deeper comprehension of this association. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Healthy Lifestyle and Well-Being Across the Lifespan)

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17 pages, 4526 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effectiveness of Leisure-Focused Occupational Therapy Interventions in Middle-Aged and Older People with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review

by Edgar Vásquez-Carrasco, Camila Huenchuquen, Catalina Ferrón, Jordan Hernandez-Martinez, Síbila Floriano Landim, Fabiola Helbig, Florencia Carmine, Pablo Valdés-Badilla, Cristian Sandoval, Celia Sánchez Gómez and Pedro Moruno-Miralles

Healthcare 2024, 12(24), 2521; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12242521 - 13 Dec 2024

Viewed by 2096

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This systematic review aimed to evaluate and synthesize scientific evidence on occupational therapy (OT) interventions focused on leisure activities to improve activities of daily living (ADLs) and cognitive function in middle-aged and older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: A systematic review was carried out following the guidelines established by the PRISMA statement. The study was registered in the PROSPERO database. Four databases were used for the literature search process (Scopus, Web of Science, Medline/PubMed, ScienceDirect), and selected results were assessed using standard tools for risk of bias and certainty of evidence with GRADEpro. Results: Of 169 records identified in the databases, 7 studies with a total of 620 middle-aged and older people (44.9% female) with a mean age of 77.5 years were analyzed using the PICOS format. The meta-analysis of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) revealed no significant improvements in cognitive function (p > 0.05). Individual studies reported varied results on ADL among people with MCI, with some demonstrating significant improvements following leisure interventions, while others found no notable differences between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: OT interventions did not significantly improve MMSE of the overall cognitive function and ADL performance in middle-aged and older people with MCI. Therefore, further studies detailing the dosage of interventions are needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Healthy Lifestyle and Well-Being Across the Lifespan)

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20 pages, 695 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effect of Physical Activity Interventions on Health Parameters in Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review

by Luis Maicas-Pérez, Juan Hernández-Lougedo, José Luis Maté-Muñoz, Ariel Villagra-Astudillo, Pablo García-Fernández, Borja Suárez-Villadat and Blanca Jiménez-Rojo

Healthcare 2024, 12(23), 2434; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12232434 - 3 Dec 2024

Viewed by 2103

Abstract

Intellectual disability (ID) encompasses diverse challenges that affect daily life and health. Sedentary behaviors, prevalent in this population, contribute to alarming health concerns, notably obesity and musculoskeletal issues. This review examines the role of physical activity (PA) interventions in addressing these health challenges among children and adolescents with ID. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus databases, using specific keywords aligned with the PICO framework (population, intervention, comparison, and outcome). From January 2013 to October 2024, a total of 5236 studies were identified, of which 17 met the inclusion criteria for this review according to PRISMA procedures. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on the impact of PA on body composition, physical fitness, bone health, metabolic indicators, and overall quality of life were included. The study cohort consisted of individuals aged 13–24 diagnosed with ID. The findings consistently highlight the positive relationship between PA interventions and improved health markers in individuals with ID. Diverse PA interventions, ranging from strength training to high-intensity exercises, demonstrated significant improvements in body composition, physical fitness, and bone mineral density. Notably, higher-frequency PA programs (minimum three sessions per week) yielded more substantial benefits. This review underscores the potential of adapted PA interventions to address health concerns and enhance the quality of life for individuals with ID. Further comprehensive research is needed to establish standardized guidelines for effective PA interventions in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Healthy Lifestyle and Well-Being Across the Lifespan)

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