Effects of Movement Behaviour Interventions on Sedentary Behavior and Functional Performance in Older Adults Living in the Community: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

• Grant number: 25/22041-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: February 01, 2026
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Anielle Cristhine de Medeiros Takahashi
• Grantee: Vinícius Ramon da Silva Santos
• Supervisor: Maria Gine-Garriga
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universitat Ramon Llull, Spain
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/13363-3 - Use of self-management strategies combined with multicomponent training in the pattern of sedentary behavior and physical function of the older adults after interruption of an exercise program by the COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized clinical trial, BP.DD

Abstract

Background: Older adults represent the population group that spends the greatest amount of time in sedentary behavior (SB). SB is associated with negative health outcomes, and there remains uncertainty regarding which interventions are most effective in reducing this behaviour among older individuals. Objective: To evaluate the effects of interventions aimed at improving movement behavior on SB and their impact on functional performance in community-dwelling older adults. In addition, we seek to determine whether interventions developed through participatory approaches involving relevant stakeholders yield better outcomes. Methods: Systematic review with meta-analysis will be conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The search will be carried out in the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, PEDro, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and PsycINFO. Studies involving older adults (¿60 years) that include interventions designed to improve physical behaviors and report outcomes related to SB and functional performance will be included. Study selection and data extraction will be performed independently by two reviewers. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool, and the certainty of the evidence will be evaluated using the GRADE approach. Expected Results: The results of this review are expected to inform and strengthen recommendations for improving overall movement behaviour and specifically reducing SB by identifying the strategies that demonstrate the greatest effectiveness. In addition, we aim to examine the impact of these interventions on functional performance in older adults. We also aim to assess the prevalence of participatory approaches in intervention design and evaluate whether such approaches lead to better outcomes in this population. This study anticipates that these strategies could be integrated into health systems to mitigate the harmful effects of SB on the health of the older population (AU)