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Table 1 Health benefits of regular physical activity

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

  1. For more details, refer to Singh [27]