Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects of Physical Activity Interventions on Older Adults in Nigerian Coastal Cities,

This study examines the effects of short-term versus long-term physical activity interventions on older adults in Nigerian coastal cities. Participants were recruited from two coastal cities. Short-term intervention groups engaged in weekly sessions for three months, while long-term groups continued exercise six months later. Physical activity levels were assessed using self-reported surveys. Data analysis revealed that both short-term and long-term physical activity interventions led to significant improvements in cardiovascular health (p < 0.05), with a moderate increase in participants' fitness levels observed across all age groups, though the effect was more pronounced in those aged 70 years and above. Short-term and long-term exercise programmes both showed positive impacts on older adults' health outcomes, particularly cardiovascular function. Further research should consider the sustainability of these interventions over extended periods to ensure lasting benefits for elderly populations. Treatment effect was estimated with logit(pᵢ)=β₀+β^ Xᵢ, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.