Physical Activity Interventions in Latin America: A Systematic Review
Background
Recommendations for physical activity in the Guide to Community Preventive Services (the Community Guide) have not been systematically examined or applied in developing countries such as those in Latin America. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the current evidence base concerning interventions to increase physical activity in Latin America using a modified Community Guide process and to develop evidence-based recommendations for physical activity interventions.
Methods
In 2006, a literature review of both peer-reviewed and non–peer-reviewed literature in Portuguese, Spanish, and English was carried out to identify physical activity interventions conducted in community settings in Latin America. Intervention studies were identified by searching ten databases using 16 search terms related to physical activity, fitness, health promotion, and community interventions. All intervention studies related to physical activity were summarized into tables. Six reviewers independently classified the intervention studies by the categories used in the Community Guide and screened the studies for inclusion in a systematic abstraction process to assess the strength of the evidence. Five trained researchers conducted the abstractions.
Results
The literature search identified 903 peer-reviewed articles and 142 Brazilian theses related to physical activity, of which 19 were selected for full abstraction. Only for school-based physical education classes was the strength of the evidence from Latin America sufficient to support a practice recommendation.
Conclusions
This systematic review highlights the need for rigorous evaluation of promising interventions to increase physical activity in Latin America. Implementation and maintenance of school physical education programs and policies should be strongly encouraged to promote the health of Latin American children.
aPrevention Research Center, Saint Louis University School of Public Health, St. Louis, Missouri
bPhysical Activity and Health Branch, Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
cPrevention Research Centers Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
dWorld Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization Regional Office, Washington DC
eDivision of Situation Analysis and Prevention of Non-transmissible Diseases, Brazil Ministry of Health, São Paulo, Brazil
fCentro de Estudos do Laboratório de Aptidão Física de São Caetano de Sul, São Paulo, Brazil
gDepartment of Preventive Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Christine Hoehner, PhD, Saint Louis University School of Public Health, Salus Center, Room 474, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, St. Louis MO 63104.
The full text of this article is available via AJPM Online at www.ajpm-online.net; 1 unit of Category-1 CME credit is also available, with details on the website.
ABSTRACT