Conclusions The current literature suggests the effectiveness of low-intensity exercise on improved physical and cognitive health for older adults .
It may be a desired intensity level in promoting health among older adults with better compliance , lower risk of injuries , and long-term sustainability
Background It is well known that physical exercise is important to promote physical and cognitive health in older population .
However , inconsistent research findings were shown regarding exercise intensity , particularly on whether low-intensity exercise ( 1.5 metabolic equivalent tasks ( METs ) to 3.0 METs ) can improve physical and cognitive health of older adults .
This systematic review aim ed to fill this research gap .
The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the effectiveness of low-intensity exercise interventions on physical and cognitive health of older adults .
Effects of exercise training on older patients with major depression.
BACKGROUND Previous observational and interventional studies have suggested that regular physical exercise may be associated with reduced symptoms of depression . However , the extent to which exercise training may reduce depressive symptoms in older patients with major depressive disorder ( MDD ) has not been systematic ally evaluated . OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness of an aerobic exercise program compared with st and ard medication ( ie , antidepressants ) for treatment of MDD in older patients , we conducted a 16-week r and omized controlled trial . METHODS One hundred fifty-six men and women with MDD ( age , > or = 50 years ) were assigned r and omly to a program of aerobic exercise , antidepressants ( sertraline hydrochloride ) , or combined exercise and medication . Subjects underwent comprehensive evaluations of depression , including the presence and severity of MDD using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , Fourth Edition criteria and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression ( HAM-D ) and Beck Depression Inventory ( BDI ) scores before and after treatment . Secondary outcome measures included aerobic capacity , life satisfaction , self-esteem , anxiety , and dysfunctional cognitions . RESULTS After 16 weeks of treatment , the groups did not differ statistically on HAM-D or BDI scores ( P = .67 ) ; adjustment for baseline levels of depression yielded an essentially identical result . Growth curve models revealed that all groups exhibited statistically and clinical ly significant reductions on HAM-D and BDI scores . However , patients receiving medication alone exhibited the fastest initial response ; among patients receiving combination therapy , those with less severe depressive symptoms initially showed a more rapid response than those with initially more severe depressive symptoms . CONCLUSIONS An exercise training program may be considered an alternative to antidepressants for treatment of  depression in older persons . Although antidepressants may facilitate a more rapid initial therapeutic response than exercise , after 16 weeks of treatment exercise was equally effective in reducing depression among patients with MDD
Conclusions The current literature suggests the effectiveness of low-intensity exercise on improved physical and cognitive health for older adults .
It may be a desired intensity level in promoting health among older adults with better compliance , lower risk of injuries , and long-term sustainability
Background It is well known that physical exercise is important to promote physical and cognitive health in older population .
However , inconsistent research findings were shown regarding exercise intensity , particularly on whether low-intensity exercise ( 1.5 metabolic equivalent tasks ( METs ) to 3.0 METs ) can improve physical and cognitive health of older adults .
This systematic review aim ed to fill this research gap .
The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the effectiveness of low-intensity exercise interventions on physical and cognitive health of older adults .