Background: The world has changed dramatically since the beginning of 2020 due to COVID-19. As a result of the pandemic, many older adults are now experiencing an increased and unprecedented amount of psychological stress. Physical activity has been found to be an evidence-based means of combating stress among older adults to promote their quality of life. Studies have demonstrated that those who are physically active experience fewer issues in regard to their mental health, specifically depression and anxiety disorders. Engagement in physical activity may exert a protective influence over stress inducing events and subsequent mental health outcomes. Due to the fact that exercise is inexpensive, non-invasive, and effective even via incremental increases in activity level, physical activity interventions should be investigated as an important therapy for reducing stress for older adults during this current pandemic.
Methods: Four electronic databases will be searched to identify all randomized control trials that involve physical activity as an intervention to address stress management in older adults 50 years of age or older. Only peer reviewed and published journal articles will be reviewed. All studies will be assessed for bias using Cochrane’s risk of bias tool. A random effects meta-analysis will be investigated if sufficient evidence of homogenous research exists and the heterogeneity of effect sizes will be tabulated.
Discussion: This review will determine the effectiveness of various physical activity interventions for the treatment of stress among the older adult population. This knowledge will help inform care aides, clinicians, family members, and older adults themselves of the most effective physical activity interventions in dealing with stress which is relevant to the ongoing pandemic.
Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020192546 Keywords: Stress management, physical activity, pandemic, intervention, older adults, systematic review