From: Best practices for physical activity programs and behavior counseling in older adult populations
Health issue | Benefits of physical activity |
---|---|
Cardiovascular health | Improves myocardial performance |
Increases peak diastolic filling | |
Increases heart muscle contractility | |
Reduces premature ventricular contractions | |
Improves blood lipid profile | |
Increases aerobic capacity | |
Reduces systolic blood pressure | |
Improves diastolic blood pressure | |
Improves endurance | |
Improves muscle capillary blood flow | |
Body composition | Decreases abdominal adipose tissue |
Increases muscle mass | |
Metabolism | Increases total energy expenditure |
Improves protein synthesis rate and amino acid uptake into the skeletal muscle | |
Reduces low-density lipoproteins | |
Reduces cholesterol/very low-density lipoproteins | |
Reduces triglycerides | |
Increases high-density lipoproteins | |
Increases glucose tolerance | |
Bone health | Slows decline in bone mineral density |
Increases total body calcium, nitrogen | |
Psychological well-being | Improves perceived well-being and happiness |
Decreases levels of stress-related hormones | |
Improves attention span | |
Improves cognitive processing speed | |
Increases slow wave and rapid eye movement sleep | |
Muscle weakness and functional capacity | Reduces risk of musculoskeletal disability |
Improves strength and flexibility | |
Reduces risk of falls | |
Improves dynamic balance | |
Improves physical functional performance |