The Dose-Response Efficacy of Physical Training on Frailty Status and Physical Performance in Community-Dwelling Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to explore the effect of physical training on frailty status and physical performance in the community dwelling elderly. Methods: We set keywords and used the Boolean operator to search the CEPS, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases from inception to 10 August 2021. The search was limited to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted within a five-year period. The Cochrane Collaboration bias assessment tool was used to assess article quality, and RevMan 5.4.1. software (Cochrane Training site based in London, UK) was used to conduct the meta-analysis. Results: Physical training was found to improve frailty status, physical performance, lower limb strength and balance. The best dose-response for physical training was 60 min per time, 2–3 times per week, for 3 months. Conclusion: Designing an appropriate physical training program can decrease the frailty score and increase physical performance in frail elderly in the community.