Physical Activity Intervention Effects on Physical Function Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effects of supervised resistance and/or aerobic training physical activity interventions on performance-based measures of physical functioning among community-dwelling older adults, and to identify factors impacting intervention effectiveness. Diverse search strategies were used to identify eligible studies. Standardized mean difference effect sizes (d, ES) were synthesized using a random effects model. Moderator analyses were conducted using subgroup analyses and meta-regression. Twenty-eight studies were included. Moderator analyses were limited by inconsistent reporting of sample and intervention characteristics. The overall mean ES was 0.45 (k=38, p=<.01), representing a clinically meaningful reduction of 0.92 seconds in the Timed Up and Go for treatment versus control. More minutes per week (p<.01) and longer intervention session duration (p<0.01) were associated with larger effects. Interventions were especially effective among frail participants (d=1.09). Future research should clearly describe sample and intervention characteristics and incorporate frail populations.

Effectiveness of a simplified reablement program to minimize functional decline in hospitalized older patients

“…Of note, the simplified reablement program was more effective than multifaceted care intervention at improving muscular strength, balance and mobility (e.g., TUG and HGS). These results are in line with other studies that investigated the effects of physical activity intervention . A meta‐analysis of Chase et al .…”

“…These results are in line with other studies that investigated the effects of physical activity intervention . A meta‐analysis of Chase et al . investigated the effects of supervised resistance and/or aerobic training physical activity interventions on TUG among community‐dwelling older adults and revealed that interventions were particularly effective among frail participants.…”

Aplicación De Ejercicios De Brain Gym® en Personas Institucionalizadas Con Deterioro Cognitivo

“…En referencia al TUG en concreto, según Sai et al 27 , es el mejor test de equilibrio para predecir caídas recurrentes. Existen numerosas evidencias científicas conforme los ejercicios de tipo aeróbico involucrando al sistema cardiovascular, así como el entrenamiento de la fuerza muscular, producen mejoras a nivel de la condición física, directamente relacionados con la independencia funcional y por tanto con la prevención de caídas y la calidad de vida, como las recogidas en la revisión y meta-análisis de Chase et al 28 . Por el contrario, el programa basado en ejercicios de BG no tiene como objetivo el trabajo de dichos parámetros físicos, por lo que el estímulo que este supone frente al programa de GM pudo ser muy inferior.…”

Focus on physical activity can help avoid unnecessary social care

“…18 A recent meta-analysis showed significant improvements in older people's "up and go" times when exercise ranging from low to moderate aerobic (walking) to high intensity progressive resistance training was started as an intervention; there was a clear dose effect, and those who were the most frail benefited the most. 19 The prevailing attitude that exercise is for young people while older people should be encouraged to relax needs to be challenged. Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure, including gardening and walking.…”

“…The gap between the best possible level of ability and actual ability can be reduced at any age, 26 no matter how many long term conditions the person may have. 19 The increase in the level of ability may not only restore the person to the ability they enjoyed 10 years earlier, it may make the crucial difference between living well at home or being dependent on social care or residential care.…”