Association between physical activity and quality of life in adults

OBJECTIVE: To summarize and analyze evidences of the association between physical activity and quality of life. METHODS: Systematic literature review in three electronic databases -- PubMed, Lilacs and SciELO -- using the following descriptors: "physical activity," "motor activity," "exercise," "walking," "running," "physical fitness," "sport," "life style," "quality of life," "WHOQOL" and "SF." There were selected 38 studies published between 1980 and 2010 that used any instrument to measure physical activity and any version of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey or the World Health Organization Quality of Life to assess quality of life. RESULTS: Most studies reviewed were cross-sectional (68%), 18% experimental, 8% prospective follow-up cohort and 5% mixed-design (cross-sectional and longitudinal). The most widely used questionnaire to assess quality of life was SF-36 (71%), and physical activity was self-reported in 82% of the studies reviewed. Higher level of physical activity was associated with better perception of quality of life in the elderly, apparently healthy adults and individuals with different clinical conditions. CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive association between physical activity and quality of life that varies according to the domain analyzed.Original Abstract: OBJETIVO: Sintetizare analisar as evidencias da literatura sobre a associacao entre atividade fisica e qualidade de vida. METODOS: Revisao sistematica nas bases PubMed, Lilacs e SciELO com utilizacao dos descritores "physical activity", "motor activity", "exercise", "walking", "running", "physical fitness", "sport", "life style", "quality of life", "WHOQOL" e "SF". Foram selecionados 38 estudos publicados entre 1980 e 2010 que utilizaram algum instrumento de medida da atividade fisica e com alguma versao dos questionarios Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey ou World Health Organization Quality of Life para avaliar a qualidade de vida. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos estudos apresentou delineamento transversal (68%), 18% foram experimentais, 8% de acompanhamento prospectivo (coorte) e 5% com delineamento misto (transversal e longitudinal). O questionario mais utilizado para avaliar a qualidade de vida foi o SF-36 (71%) e a atividade fisica foi auto-reportada em 82% dos estudos. Maior nivel de atividade fisica associou-se a melhor percepcao de qualidade de vida em idosos, adultos aparentemente saudaveis ou em diferentes condicoes de saude. CONC