Efeito de dois programas na promoção da atividade física em idosos

The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of two physical activity promotion programs on levels of physical activity in older adults users of Health Care Units from Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Fifty older adults (68.30 ± 7.01 years old) participated in the study, randomized in three groups: a) Behavior Change (Active Life Improving Health Program – VAMOS); b) Physical Exercise; c) Control. e accelerometer (GT3x, Actigraph) was used to evaluate the level of physical activity at the baseline, three (end of program), six, and 12 months (follow-up). Main effect of time was observed for light and moderate/ vigorous physical activity, with increases after six and three months, respectively, compared with baseline (p < 0.050), independently of the group. ere was no main effect of group or interaction (group vs. time), showing that the groups submitted to physical activity programs did not differed between them and from control group. ere was no significant influence of the attendance on intervention programs on physical activity levels. Then, it was concluded that the physical activity promotion programs assessed were able to increase the daily time spent in physical activity, suggesting the need for adaptations in the structure and in the implementation form of these programs.