Effects of a physical activity intervention in quality of life of adults and elderly attended by NASF in Sao Carlos, SP

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) is an important tool to promote health of the population and plays a key role in active and healthy aging as well as the perception of quality of life (QOL) of each individual. Walking groups to low income population develop social interaction and it can be a protective factor for emotional diseases. Physical activity promotion in primary care settings can be an interesting strategy to ensure these benefits, however there are few studies reporting these effects. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of a walking program on QoL of participants in a highly vulnerable area in São Carlos, Brazil. It is an quasi experimental and controlled study, with the participation of: 1) the intervention group (n = 20) and 2) control group (n = 20). The intervention will last for six months. The program will take place five times a week, lasting an hour. Classes will consist of recreational activities, walking and educational strategies for behavior change to AF. To evaluate the program, this study uses the questionnaire WHOQOL-Bref QV, which contained 26 questions that address four domains (physical, psychological, social relationships and environment). It will also be used a structured interview after participating in the walking program with open-ended questions about the individual's perception on the quality of life related to psychological aspects on the following questions: feelings, thinking, memory and concentration, self-esteem and body image applied. It is expected that the program has satisfactory scores in all domains of the WHOQOL-bref, especially in the psychological domain. It is also expected that the responses to structured interview is positive relative to the AF and the psychological aspects of participants.