A Descriptive Systematic Review of Physical Activity Interventions for Caregivers: Effects on Caregivers’ and Care Recipients’ Psychosocial Outcomes, Physical Activity Levels, and Physical Health

BACKGROUND: Caregiving can adversely impact individuals' psychosocial and physical well-being. An important task in health research is to find effective ways to enhance caregivers' health and functioning. PURPOSE: To provide a systematic review of the efficacy of physical activity (PA) interventions for caregivers on their and the care recipients' psychosocial outcomes, PA levels, and physical health. METHODS: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist, a descriptive systematic review of studies examining the effects of PA interventions for caregivers on their outcomes and those of the care recipients was conducted. Studies were primarily identified through searching electronic databases. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were reviewed. PA interventions significantly decreased caregivers' distress and increased their well-being, quality of life, sleep quality, PA levels, self-efficacy for caregiving or exercise, and readiness for exercise. Most PA interventions targeted the caregiver alone. Two studies examined the impact of the intervention on the care recipient and found no significant effect. CONCLUSIONS: PA interventions hold promise in improving caregivers' outcomes. However, more high quality trials are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.