Background: Ageing is a life-long process characterized by a progressive loss of physical fitness compromising strength, flexibility, and agility. The purpose of this study was to use accelerometry to examine the relationship between sedentary time, light physical activity (LPA), and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with the elderly’s physical fitness. Additionally, we aimed to examine the association between the aforementioned variables on older adults who fulfilled global recommendations on physical activity for health and on those who did not fulfil these recommendations. Methods: Eighty-three elderly (mean ± SD: 72.14 ± 5.61 years old) of both genders volunteered to participate in this cross-sectional study, being divided into an active group (n = 53; 71.02 ± 5.27 years old) and an inactive group (n = 30; 74.13 ± 5.72 years old) according to the established guidelines. Sedentary and physical activity times were assessed using an ActiGraph® GT1M accelerometer, whereas physical fitness was evaluated with the Senior Fitness Test. Results: MVPA time was correlated with lower body mass index (BMI) ((rs = −0.218; p = 0.048; −0.3 < r ≤ −0.1 (small)) and shorter time to complete the agility test ((rs = −0.367; p = 0.001; −0.5 < r ≤ −0.3 (low)). Moreover, MVPA time was positively correlated with aerobic endurance ((rs = 0.397; p = 0.000; 0.5 < r ≤ 0.3 (low)) and strength ((rs = 0.243; p = 0.027; 0.3 < r ≤ 0.1 (small)). In the inactive group, MVPA time was positively correlated with upper limb flexibility ((rs = 0.400; p = 0.028; 0.5 < r ≤ 0.3 (low)); moreover, sedentary time was negatively correlated with upper limb flexibility ((r = −0.443; p = 0.014; −0.5 < r ≤ −0.3 (low)), and LPA time was negatively correlated with BMI ((r = −0.423; p = 0.020; −0.5 < r ≤ −0.3 (low)). In the active group, MVPA time was correlated with lower BMI ((rs = −0.320; p = 0.020; −0.5 < r ≤ −0.3 (low)), and shorter time to complete agility test ((rs = −0.296; p = 0.031; −0.3 < r ≤ −0.1 (small)). Conclusions: Our results reinforce the importance of promoting MVPA practice among the elderly, thereby allowing physical fitness maintenance or improvement.

This comprehensive review examines critical aspects of evidence-based human kinetics, focusing on bridging the gap between scientific evidence and practical implementation. To bridge this gap, the development of tailored education and training programs is essential, providing practitioners with the expertise and skills to effectively apply evidence-based programs and interventions. The effectiveness of these programs in improving physical fitness across all age groups has been widely demonstrated. In addition, integrating artificial intelligence and the principles of slow science into evidence-based practice promises to identify gaps in knowledge and stimulate further research in human kinetics. The purpose of this review is to provide researchers and practitioners with comprehensive information on the application of scientific principles in human kinetics. By highlighting the importance of evidence-based practice, this review is intended to promote the adoption of effective interventions to optimize physical health and enhance performance.

Sedentary behavior poses a significant health risk to older adults. The purpose of this scoping review is to summarize key findings from qualitative research (since 2012), with a focus on explaining prevailing research trends and patterns within the field. This review included 25 studies that met the strict inclusion criteria. Five key research themes have emerged: (1) defining and shaping perspectives of sedentary behavior, (2) understanding the dynamics of daily routines and contexts, (3) raising awareness of older adults’ perceived advantages and disadvantages of sedentary behavior, (4) identifying its determinants and discouraging factors, and (5) exploring interventions to promote active behaviors and reduce sedentary behavior. These themes highlight the multifaceted nature of SB and underscore the importance of tailoring interventions to address individual, social, and environmental issues. A comprehensive understanding of SB is critical to developing effective strategies to promote active lifestyles and reduce SB in older adults. Further qualitative research is needed to deepen our understanding and develop targeted interventions and strategies.

Nos últimos anos verificou-se um aumento progressivo acerca da investigação sobre o comportamento sedentário. No entanto, as evidências ainda são escassas relativamente aos determinantes psicossociais do tempo sentado dos idosos. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi identificar os fatores psicossociais que determinavam os diferentes comportamentos sedentários dos idosos, realizados em diferentes contextos. Participaram no estudo 20 idosos (M = 68 anos; DP = 1.6 anos) selecionados intencionalmente. Os dados foram recolhidos através de um guião de entrevista semiestruturada constituído por um conjunto evolutivo de questões e a análise dos dados seguiu um processo indutivo. Os resultados indicaram os seguintes determinantes psicossociais do comportamento sedentário dos idosos: força do hábito, comportamentos compensatórios, representação positiva dos comportamentos sedentários e o suporte social. Parece que os comportamentos sedentários dos idosos podem ser determinados por processos automáticos e intencionais. Os idosos também podem utilizar estratégias cognitivas com a intenção de compensar o tempo sentado através de comportamentos ativos. O suporte social dos idosos pode contribuir para a promoção do tempo sedentário e para a interrupção do mesmo. O entendimento dos fatores psicossociais constitui-se numa importante contribuição para a explicação do tempo sedentário dos idosos.

O objetivo do estudo foi compreender de que forma é que as crenças de saúde compensatórias podiam determinar o comportamento sedentário dos idosos praticantes de exercício físico regulamente. Foram selecionados dez idosos (67,8 ± 3.9) e os dados foram recolhidos através de uma entrevista semiestruturada. A análise dos dados foi realizada a partir de um processo indutivo e dedutivo. Os resultados mostraram que as crenças dos idosos sobre as consequências do comportamento sedentário na saúde estavam em conflito com as suas ações comportamentais, sugerindo uma dissonância cognitiva. Nesse sentido, os idosos podem evitar os sentimentos de culpa acerca do excesso de tempo que passam sentados, ativando as crenças de saúde compensatórias. Desta forma, os idosos acreditavam que o tempo que passavam sentados podia ser compensado através da prática de exercício físico. No entanto, os idosos demonstraram uma motivação extrínseca para a prática de atividades físicas e, também, mostraram que a realização do comportamento compensatório (prática de exercício físico) era apoiada pelo desenvolvimento de uma intenção em o realizar. Contundo, os idosos mostraram que o desejo em estarem sentados era mais forte do que o objetivo de serem fisicamente ativos.