Meta‐analysis of the effects of exercise interventions on functional status in older adults

Abstract

A meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the impact of exercise interventions on the functional status of older adults. Searches of Medline and CINAHL databases revealed 19 randomized controlled trials reporting 30 interventions (n = 2,201). Fixed- and random-effects models were used to estimate overall mean effect sizes (ESs) for functional and physical performance outcomes and activities of daily living (ADL). Modest but statistically significant ESs were found for functional performance and physical performance but not for ADL. Exercise improved functional and physical performance but the improvement may be insufficient to have an impact on ADL. Further studies are needed to determine exercise's effects on ADL and to identify moderators associated with functional status outcomes in older adults.

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

“…For example, search strategies for seven meta-analyses were critically limited to five online databases or less (Chou, Hwang, & Wu, 2012; de Vries et al, 2012; Gine-Garriga et al, 2010; Gu & Conn, 2008; Howe, Rochester, Neil, Skelton, & Ballinger, 2011; Nicola & Catherine, 2011; Yamamoto, Hotta, Ota, Mori, & Matsunaga, 2015). The most common databases searched were Medline, PubMed, and CINAHL, all of which house similarly indexed citations.…”

“…Several prior meta-analyses restricted analyses to specific PF outcomes, such as balance (Howe et al, 2011; Orr, 2010), gait speed (Lopopolo et al, 2006), limb strength (Borde, Hortobágyi, & Granacher, 2015; Raymond, Bramley-Tzerefos, Jeffs, Winter, & Holland, 2013), or cardiorespiratory fitness (Lemura, von Duvillard, & Mookerjee, 2000). Additionally, two meta-analyses combined measures of PF with measures of disability (Gu & Conn, 2008; Liu & Latham, 2011). In the Disablement Model, PF and disability are conceptually distinct; therefore, measures of PF, which assess the individual’s functional limitation in a controlled environment, should be analyzed separately from measures of disability, which assess the individual’s ability to do activities in a socioecological context (Guralnik & Ferrucci, 2003; Jette, 2003; Verbrugge & Jette, 1994).…”

The Effect of an 8-Week Tai Chi Exercise Program on Physical Functional Performance in Middle-Aged Women

“…To address this gap, the present study documents the changes in physical function in community-dwelling middle-aged women. If women enter the period of "old age" with high physical functional performance after practicing Tai Chi, this should result in extended independent living, improved functional status, and a better quality of life (Gu & Conn, 2008).…”

“…Physical function is measured by the ability to perform both activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), which incorporate balance and coordination, flexibility, muscular strength, and endurance (Gu & Conn, 2008). ADLs are defined as routine tasks done on a daily basis necessary to maintain independent living (eating, walking, using toilet, getting in and out of bed or chair, dressing, taking shower, etc.)…”

A Meta-analysis of the Effect of Walking Exercise on Lower Limb Muscle Endurance, Whole Body Endurance and Upper Body Flexibility in Elders

“…(Gu & Conn, 2008;Jung, 2006), 걷기라는 단일 운동중재가 노인의 신체적 기능에 미치는 효과를 메타분석한 연구는 없었다. 지금까지 수행된 연구에서 노인 운동중재의 결과변 수로 신체적 기능요소인 근력, 유연성이 가장 많이 측정되었다 (Sung, 2007).…”