Impact of physical exercise interventions on functional fitness in older adults
Abstract
Introduction: Aging is associated with a progressive decline in functional fitness-the physiological capacity for performing everyday activities safely and independently-which compromises autonomy in older adults. Maintaining functional fitness is crucial for preserving independence and promoting healthy aging. This systematic review synthesized evidence from recent randomized and controlled clinical trials to evaluate the effects of physical exercise on functional fitness in people aged ≥65 years.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted in three major databases (MEDLINE, PMC, and PubMed Central Canada) using comprehensive sets of keywords and MeSH terms related to "older adults" and specific exercise modalities (e.g., endurance, strength, resistance training). The search included studies published between 2015 and 2024. After duplicate removal and application of eligibility criteria, 95 studies were included. A meta-analysis was not performed due to substantial methodological heterogeneity among the included studies.
Results: The synthesized evidence indicates that most exercise interventions improved functional fitness outcomes in older adults. Multicomponent programs, resistance training, and supervised protocols were particularly effective. Significant benefits were observed in muscular strength (e.g., ~20-40% improvement in 30-second chair stand test), mobility (e.g., ~1.0-2.5-second reduction in Timed Up and Go test time), balance, and gait speed (e.g., ~0.08-0.15…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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