Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40510268›Full record

ArticleFrontiers in physiology2025

Effectiveness of different physical activity programs in improving older adults' physical capacities: a randomized controlled trial.

Carolina A Cabo, Víctor Hernández-Beltrán, Orlando Fernandes, Cláudia Mendes, José M Gamonales, Mário C Espada, José A Parraca

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Frontiers in physiology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Trial
  2. Article
  3. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Carolina A CaboDepartamento de Desporto e Saúde, Escola de Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal.
Víctor Hernández-BeltránOptimization of Training and Sports Performance Research Group, Faculty of Sport Science, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
Orlando FernandesDepartamento de Desporto e Saúde, Escola de Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal.
Cláudia MendesDepartamento de Desporto e Saúde, Escola de Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal.
José M GamonalesOptimization of Training and Sports Performance Research Group, Faculty of Sport Science, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
Mário C EspadaComprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), University of Évora, Évora, Portugal.
José A ParracaDepartamento de Desporto e Saúde, Escola de Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Introduction: As people age, maintaining physical fitness becomes essential for preserving independence, preventing falls, and improving overall quality of life. Physical activity (PA) mitigates the physical decline associated with aging, enhancing balance, strength, flexibility, and coordination. Effective exercise programs for older people should address age-related physical challenges while remaining safe and accessible. Objective: This study aims to identify the most effective PA program to enhance the physical capacities of older people. By comparing training modalities such as Pilates, Aqua Aerobic, and Sensorimotor training, the study evaluates their impact on key physical abilities to determine the optimal program for promoting functional independence and reducing injury risk in older people. Methods: This study examined 153 participants, divided into a Control Group (N = 44), Sensorimotor Group (N = 46), Aqua Aerobic Group (N = 41), and Pilates Group (N = 22). Over a 24-week intervention, physical capacities were assessed using the Rikli and Jones battery for strength and flexibility and the timed-up-and-go test for agility and speed. Data were collected pre- and post-intervention. To analyze the changes, we used Student's T-test and Cohen's d for effect size (ES), with statistical significance set at Results: The Sensorimotor Group showed significant gains in all tests ( Conclusion: In conclusion, sensorimotor and aquatic training significantly improved physical function, especially balance, strength, and mobility, in older people.

Indexed as

aqua aerobicolder peoplephysical capacitiespilatessensorimotor training

Identifiers

PMID40510268
PMCPMC12159429

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.