Analysis of physical training programs improve sensorimotor skills in elderly post-covid-19: Systematic Review

This systematic review aimed to provide information on the effects of exercise programs on sensorimotor skills during the aging process, with relevance after the occurrence of COVID-19. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to conduct this systematic review. The Science Direct, Scielo, PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases were used in the search, which started in May 2022, to identify publications focusing on physical training programs to improve sensorimotor skills in the older adults over 50 years. Therefore, a total of approximately 895 people aged between 60 and 85 years of age were included in this review. Interventions based on physical training programs had an average duration of 12 weeks. All sessions lasted an average of 15 to 50 minutes. Among the articles included, three were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), two were single-blind randomized controlled trials, and one employed a pre-post design with no control group. Specific results support the positive benefits of exercise programs through COVID-19 to improve physical, cognitive, social, and psychological health skills in older adults. Results include improvements in mood, anxiety, and health-related quality of life; however, they have increased body fat due to reduced daily physical activity (PA) and changes in daily diet. These results will update healthcare professionals and researchers on how to target a specific group characterized by aging. Therefore, it is critical to maintain physical activity during COVID-19 through specific voluntary and motivational skills that overcome COVID-19-specific barriers and increase motivation and success in physical activity.