The heterogeneity in reported effects was reduced in higher quality studies , when physical activity was self-directed with some professional guidance and when there was on-going professional support .
Our review suggests that physical activity interventions have a moderate effect on self reported physical activity and cardio-respiratory fitness , but not on achieving a predetermined level of physical activity .
Due to the clinical and statistical heterogeneity of the studies , only limited conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of individual components of the interventions .
BACKGROUND Little is known about the effectiveness of strategies to enable people to achieve an increase in their physical activity .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of interventions for promoting physical activity in adults aged 16 years and older , not living in an institution .
Once a week is not enough: effects of a widely implemented group based exercise programme for older adults; a randomised controlled trial
Objectives : To determine the effects of gymnastics on the health related quality of life ( HRQoL ) and functional status of independently living people , aged 65 to 80 years .  Gymnastics formed part of the More Exercise for Seniors ( MBvO in Dutch ) programme , a group based exercise programme for older adults in the Netherl and s. It has been widely implemented since 1980 . Design : R and omised controlled trial with pretest and post-test measurements . Intervention : The exercise programme given by experienced instructors lasted 10 weeks and was given weekly ( MBvO1 ; n = 125 , six groups ) or twice weekly ( MBvO2 ; n = 68 , six groups ) . The control group ( n = 193 ) was offered a health education programme . Setting : Community dwelling of older people , with a comparatively low level of fitness as assessed with the Groningen Fitness test for the Elderly . Results : No significant effects were found on the HRQoL ( Vitality Plus Scale , TAAQoL , and R AND -36 ) and the functional status ( Physical Performance Test and the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale ) . The MBvO2 group , with a low level of physical activity at baseline , showed the only improvement found on the Vitality Plus Scale ( F = 4.53 ; p = 0.01 ) . Conclusions : MBvO gymnastics once a week did not provide benefits in HRQoL and functional status after 10 weeks . However , participants with a low level of physical activity may benefit from MBvO gymnastics if they participate twice a week . To improve the health of the general public , sedentary older adults should be recruited and encouraged to combine MBvO with the health enhancing physical activity guidelines
The heterogeneity in reported effects was reduced in higher quality studies , when physical activity was self-directed with some professional guidance and when there was on-going professional support .
Our review suggests that physical activity interventions have a moderate effect on self reported physical activity and cardio-respiratory fitness , but not on achieving a predetermined level of physical activity .
Due to the clinical and statistical heterogeneity of the studies , only limited conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of individual components of the interventions .
BACKGROUND Little is known about the effectiveness of strategies to enable people to achieve an increase in their physical activity .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of interventions for promoting physical activity in adults aged 16 years and older , not living in an institution .