title: Can physical activity prevent physical and cognitive decline in postmenopausal women? A systematic review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Participation in regular physical activity is among the most promising and cost effective strategies to reduce physical and cognitive decline and premature death. However, confusion remains about the amount, frequency, and duration of physical activity that is likely to provide maximum benefit as well as the way in which interventions should be delivered.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This paper aimed to review research on the impact of leisure-time and general physical activity levels on physical and cognitive decline in postmenopausal women. In a systematic review of the literature, empirical literature from 2009 to 2013 is reviewed to explore the potential impact of either commencing or sustaining physical activity on older women's health.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All studies found that physical activity was associated with lower rates of cognitive and physical decline and a significant reduction in all-cause mortality. In this review we found that exercise interventions (or lifestyle activities) that improved cardiorespiratory exercise capacity showed the most positive impact on physical health.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings suggest that programs should facilitate and support women to participate in regular exercise by embedding physical activity programs in public health initiatives, by developing home-based exercise programs that require few resources and by creating interventions that can incorporate physical activity within a healthy lifestyle. The review also suggests that clinicians should consider prescribing exercise in a tailored manner for older women to ensure that it is of a high enough intensity to obtain the positive sustained effects of exercise.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia. Electronic address: dj.anderson@qut.edu.au.
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia.
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Seib
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Australia.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rasmussen
mesh_terms: D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000502:physiology*; D016387:Women's Health
keywords: Cognitive decline; Older women; Physical activity; Physical decline