PhysAgeNet
EGRAPA takes a central role in a COST (Collaboration in Science and Technology) project – an EU project: Network on evidence-based physical activity in old age (PhysAgeNet)
Network on evidence-based physical activity in old age (PhysAgeNet)
- Start date – 25/10/2021
- End date – 24/10/2025
Background
Accumulated evidence implies that being physically active and exercising is far superior to other optimal aging facilitators. Yet this area of research faces numerous constraints and obstacles. Some of these challenges are: heterogeneity of the aging process, which induces both inter- and intra-individual differences among aged individuals, heterogeneity in assessment tools, unjustified inclusion/exclusion criteria and insufficient recruitment strategies, difficulties in implementing research results in real-world conditions, and rudimentary exploitation of innovative technology.
A critical step towards overcoming these challenges is embracing an evidence-based medicine (EBM) approach where conceptual challenges and pitfalls in basic research and clinical research on ageing and physical activity could be identified and addressed.
To implement these suggestions, the European Group for Research on Aging and Physical Activity (EGRAPA) has initiated in 2021 a network, funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST).
The main aim of the COST Action PhysAgeNet is to establish a sustainable network that will foster evidence-based research and practice of physical activity in older adults and will enhance integration of innovative ICT solutions based on open data consolidated research information, in order to promote health and reduce the burden of inactivity in ageing populations.
The network has attracted over 200 scientists and practitioners from 40 European countries who wish to contribute to achieving these aspiring goals. Members of the network represent all range of disciplines: health, medicine, exercise sciences, molecular biology, brain sciences, geography, and more. Furthermore, this network is still growing. The work of this network includes two basic parts: a thorough review of the scientific literature on the effect of exercise on all aspects in old age, and establishing guidelines and recommendations for future research and practice. Two review papers (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9726368/; https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2023.1213057/full) and a commentary (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s11556-023-00318-3) have already been published and we anticipate quite a few more literature reviews and guidelines protocols for future research and practice.