Home-Based Indoor Physical Activity Programs for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Context: Home-based exercise programs are a good strategy to promote benefits to health for people who cannot visit gyms, clinics, or have limited time for physical activity outside. Objective: To synthesize the effect of home-based indoor physical activity on psychosocial outcomes and mobility in community-dwelling older adults. Data Sources: A comprehensive search was conducted in the MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Study Selection: A total of 11 studies (13 publications) were included involving a total of 1004 older adults. Study Design: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted using the aforementioned 7 databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Level of Evidence: Level 2. Data Extraction: Two authors independently selected studies, extracted data, and determined the risk of bias and evidence level using the Grading quality of evidence and strength of recommendations (GRADE) guidelines. We conducted a synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) to assess the outcome. Results: There is moderately certain evidence that home-based exercise programs reduced the fear of falling. Psychosocial (mental health and quality of life) and mobility outcomes may improve after participating in the intervention inside the home. Conclusion: The review found very low to certain evidence that home-based exercises programs improved psychosocial outcomes (mental health and quality of life) and walking speed (mobility). Moderately certain evidence suggests that home-based exercises improved fear of falling. Protocol Register Number: CRD42020182008.