The effect of exercise on quality of life and activities of daily life in frail older adults: a systematic review of randomised control trials

Campbell, E. , Petermann-Rocha, F., Welsh, P. , Celis-Morales, C. , Pell, J. P. , Ho, F. K. and Gray, S. R. (2021) The effect of exercise on quality of life and activities of daily life in frail older adults: a systematic review of randomised control trials. Experimental Gerontology, 147, 111287. (doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111287) (PMID:33609689)

Abstract

While the positive effects of exercise on frailty are well documented, the effect of exercise on quality of life (QoL) and activities of daily living (ADL) in frail older adults remains less certain. Therefore, this paper aimed to systematically review the literature investigating the effect of exercise on QoL and ADL in this group. Embase, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, PEDro and Web of Science Core Collections were searched systematically using relevant MeSH terms. The inclusion criteria were: controlled trial design, published in English, population included frail older adults, frailty measured quantitatively, interventions that included exercise, and QoL or ADL measurements (PROSPERO: CRD42018106173). After screening, 15 studies were eligible for inclusion in the qualitative synthesis (total n: 2467; mean age range: 70–85 years). There was a positive effect on QoL or ADL measures in 10 out of the 15 studies. QoL and ADLs only improved in studies that also reported improved physical outcomes. These results reflect the multi-factoral nature of frailty and how physical capability and QoL are interlinked. Heterogeneity precluded formal meta-analysis. Future trials in frail older adults should focus on interventions that include exercise, measure physical outcomes and use consistent study design to enable meta-analysis to be conducted.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Pell, Professor Jill and Celis, Dr Carlos and Gray, Professor Stuart and Ho, Dr Frederick and Petermann-Rocha, Mrs Fanny and Welsh, Professor Paul and Campbell, Mr Evan
• Authors: Campbell, E., Petermann-Rocha, F., Welsh, P., Celis-Morales, C., Pell, J. P., Ho, F. K., and Gray, S. R.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Experimental Gerontology
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0531-5565
• ISSN (Online): 1873-6815
• Published Online: 18 February 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc.
• First Published: First published in Experimental Gerontology 147: 111287
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy