The purpose of this meta-analysis study was to investigate the effectiveness of exercise interventions for older adults.
Specifically, this study considered several different exercise program interventions in relation to cardiovascular disease risk
factors. A random effect model was used to confirm the hypothesis that the effect sizes of previous studies would be
heterogenous. Various moderating variables such as gender, diet, obesity, intervention types, and intervention intensity were added
for a subgroup analysis to investigate the heterogeneity specifically. values were used for the statistical significance. The
results confirmed the hypothesis that the effect sizes were different from each other (i.e., heterogenous). The exercise
interventions were significant regardless of all moderating variables except obesity. That is, the exercise interventions were more
effective on the obese group. The results show exercise and physical activity participation are effective interventions in helping
to reduce cardiovascular risk factors in older adults. It is recommended that future research pursues the development and
application of various exercise interventions containing appropriate exercise type and intensity, time, and duration to reduce
cardiovascular disease risk factors and eventually improve health in older adults.