ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PARTICIPATION IN A COMMUNITY PHYSICAL EXERCISE PROGRAM AND BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL HEALTH INDICATORS
TL;DR
MOVASE proves a viable biopsychosocial strategy for active aging in unequal settings, warranting territorial scaling.
Abstract
Accelerated demographic aging, coupled with rising mental disorders and social isolation among older adults in urban peripheries, demands multifaceted health promotion. Community physical exercise programs rooted in Lifestyle Medicine emerge as key allies. This study examined the link between adherence to the free MOVASE Project—physical activities at Parque Lebret, Guarus (Campos dos Goytacazes-RJ) —and biopsychosocial metrics in 25 adults aged ≥40. Quantitative analytical pre-post design used individual microdata on ordinal scales (1-5): physical (activity, disposition, perceived health), emotional (anxiety, loneliness, depression), social (belonging, friendships). Frequencies, means, and inference via chi-square (χ²), paired t-test, Wilcoxon (p<0.05; Cramér’s V for effect) were applied. Approved by Ethics Committee (opinion 7.635.409/CAAE not specified). All domains improved significantly (p<0.05; moderate-to-strong effects): physical activity 20%-96% (χ²≈29.1; V=0.76); disposition 32%-100%; general health 40%-92%; anxiety 16%-80%; loneliness 44%-84%; depression 32%-84%; belonging 36%-100%; friendships 36%-100%. MOVASE proves a viable biopsychosocial strategy for active aging in unequal settings, warranting territorial scaling.