1. Introduction
inappropriate behaviors
The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of supervised and unsupervised physical training programs using outdoor gym equipment on the lifestyles of elderly people. Methods: physically independent elderly people were randomly distributed into three groups: supervised training (n: 20; ST), unsupervised training (n: 20; UT) and control (n: 20; C). The ST and UT groups completed a 12-week program, with exercises performed three times a week. The ST group underwent weekly 30 min sessions consisting of a 5 min warm-up (walking at 60% of HRAging has been a globally investigated phenomenon over the past decades. The increase in life expectancy brings about demographic, epidemiological, and technological impacts for the elderly population in both developed and developing countries [Additionally, it is known that lifestyle directly impacts the longevity and quality of life in the elderly population. Therefore, inappropriate behaviors such as sedentary lifestyle, physical inactivity, and inadequate nutrition are discouraged, primarily due to their association with detrimental effects on health indicators [Information regarding inappropriate lifestyle behaviors among the elderly population suggests that they have detrimental effects on health. Therefore, the implementation of strategies and programs aimed at health-care-related actions, as well as initiatives promoting lifestyle changes for the elderly, are essential. From this perspective, in Brazil, there are numerous physical activity programs for the elderly [Several authors emphasize the value of popular gyms in promoting the health of the Brazilian population, particularly due to their free access, which potentially facilitates entry for individuals facing challenges in adhering to physical exercise [Popular gyms consist of gym equipment installed in public places [Considering that popular gyms may promote increments in health indicators of populations and easily to facilitate adherence to active behavior, to the best of our knowledge, there is little information about the correlation between using public gym equipment and lifestyle outcomes in the elderly. Thus, given the lack and inconsistency of studies about the effects of long-term exercise using senior gym equipment on lifestyle changes, this study aimed to verify the effectiveness of a supervised physical training program using equipment from APPIs on the lifestyle of the elderly. Additionally, to increase the internal consistency of the study, a group of older adults who trained without supervision were also analyzed with the hypothesis that supervised practice would promote better results for the evaluated parameters.