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Meta-Analysis
. 2024 Nov-Dec:60:548-559.
doi: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.10.019. Epub 2024 Oct 29.

The effect of functional exercise program on physical functioning in older adults aged 60 years or more: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Arghavan Niyazi  1 , Ehsan Mir  2 , Negin Ghasemi Kahrizsangi  3 , Nasser Mohammad Rahimi  4 , Rokhsare Fazolahzade Mousavi  5 , Shayan Setayesh  6 , Ali Nejatian Hoseinpour  7 , Fatemeh Mohammad Rahimi  8 , Gholam Rasul Mohammad Rahimi  9
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

The effect of functional exercise program on physical functioning in older adults aged 60 years or more: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Arghavan Niyazi et al. Geriatr Nurs. 2024 Nov-Dec.

Abstract

Objective: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assessed the impact of functional exercise training on physical functioning parameters in older adults 60 years and older.

Method: Databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched.

Results: Sixteen articles were included. Meta-analysis demonstrated that functional training significantly improved Barthel index (p = 0.01), gait speed (p = 0.002), gait cadence (p = 0.0002), Berg Balance Scale (p = 0.0003), Timed Up and Go test (TUG; p = 0.02), step length (p < 0.0001), Five Chair Stand (p < 0.0001) and physical activity questionnaire for the older adults score (p < 0.00001). However, hand grip strength remained unchanged.

Discussion: These findings underscore the significance of incorporating functional exercises in interventions for healthy aging and maintaining independence among older individuals. Further investigation is needed to explore long-term effects and optimal implementation strategies for functional exercise regimens in this populations.

Keywords: Balance, Independence; Functional training; Meta-analysis; Older adults.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.