What are the most effective interventions to improve physical performance in pre-frail and frail adults? A systematic review of randomised control trials

Tara Kidd, Freda Mold, Claire Jones, Emma Ream, Wendy Grosvenor, Märtha Sund-Levander, Pia Tingström, Nicola Carey

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

98 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: With life expectancy continuing to rise in the United Kingdom there is an increasing public health focus on the maintenance of physical independence among all older adults. Identifying interventions that improve physical outcomes in pre-frail and frail older adults is imperative. Methods: A systematic review of the literature 2000 to 2017 following PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (no. CRD42016045325). Results: Ten RCT trials fulfilled selection criteria and quality appraisal. The study quality was moderate to good. Interventions included physical activity; nutrition, physical activity combined with nutrition. Interventions that incorporated one or more physical activity components significantly improved physical outcomes in pre-frail and/or frail older adults. Conclusions: Physical activity interventions are key to maintaining independence in pre-frail and frail older adults. A lack of consensus regarding the definition of frailty, and an absence of core measures to assess this means any attempt to create an optimal intervention will be impeded. This absence may ultimately impact on the ability of older and frail adults to live well and for longer in the community.

Original languageEnglish
Article number184
JournalBMC Geriatrics
Volume19
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11 Jul 2019

Keywords

  • Frailty
  • Intervention
  • Nutrition
  • Physical activity
  • Successful aging

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