Effects of a walking program in the sleep quality, stress and obesity among adults and elderly in primary care of São Carlos, SP

• Grant number: 13/26814-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2014
• End date: July 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Grace Angélica de Oliveira Gomes
• Grantee: Mariana Fornazieri
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Regular physical activity (PA) has been identified as an important factor in maintaining health and preventing disease. PA programs are being offered in contexts of greater vulnerability, to ensure greater assistance to those in need. However, studies of the effectiveness of these programs in primary health care are scarce. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of six months offering a walking program on sleep quality, perceived stress, and Body Mass Index (BMI). It is a quasi-experimental research design and controlled, with the participation of individuals assisted by three Family Health Units (USF) covered by the Support Center for Family Health team in primary care. Participate in the survey adults and elderly individuals of both sexes divided into two groups: 1) intervention group (n= 71) and 2) a control group (n= 71). The intervention will last six months with a subsequent follow-up period of six months after the intervention. The program will offer supervised exercise twice a week, lasting an hour. Classes will consist of recreational activities, hiking and educational strategies for behavior change to AF. Data collection will be done through questionnaires about sociodemographics, PA levels, sleep quality, perceived stress and BMI. The significance of p < 0.05 will be considered. It is expected that the program offered at USF is effective, so that higher levels of AF relate with better quality of sleep, reduce stress and lower BMI, which can improve the health and welness of participants. (AU)