Exercise prescription prescriptions for frailty improvement in older adults: An evidence-based approach based on the 2024 older adult compendium

Objective: This study explored the dose-response relationship of exercise prescriptions for improving frailty in older adults, based on the 2024 Older Adult Compendium. It aims to provide evidence-based support for developing frailty intervention programs and their clinical application.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, OVID, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to November 5th, 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to exercise interventions in older adults were included. Relevant studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected, and data were extracted for further analysis. The quality of the included studies was assessed. Meta-analysis was performed using R, and the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) was used to quantify effect sizes.

Results: A total of 16 eligible RCTs comprising 2,716 older adults were included. The meta-analysis revealed that exercise significantly improved frailty among older adults [SMD = -0.81, 95 % CI (-1.25, -0.38), P < 0.001]. However, high-intensity exercise did not demonstrate a significant effect on frailty improvement [SMD = -0.45, 95 % CI (-0.96, 0.06), P = 0.3]. The analysis indicated a nonlinear dose-response relationship between exercise and frailty improvement. The predicted values for frailty improvement at the minimum and maximum exercise doses recommended by the World Health Organization (600 MET-minutes/week and 1200 MET-minutes/week, respectively) were -0.79 (95 % CI [-1.17, -0.41]) and -1.39 (95 % CI [-2.62, -0.15]), respectively.

Conclusion: Low- to moderate-intensity exercise significantly improves frailty among older adults, while high-intensity exercise programs are not recommended.