Effects of exercise interventions on physical function, mobility, frailty status and strength in the pre-frail population: a review of the evidence base for practice

Abstract

Background

Frailty is associated with reduced functional ability. Pre-frail individuals are at increased risk of becoming frail and are more likely to transition back to a robust state than frail individuals. Exercise has been reported to have beneficial effects on physical function in combined pre-frail and frail populations. This review identified the need to investigate the pre-frail population in isolation.

Objectives

To investigate the effects of exercise interventions on physical function, mobility, frailty status and strength in the pre-frail population, and to support the role of physiotherapy in the management of pre-frailty.

Data sources

The electronic databases AMED, CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE with Full Text and PubMed were searched using terms related to pre-frailty, exercise, strength, mobility and function.

Results

The search yielded 456 articles. Seven RCTs and two NRSs were eligible and methodological quality varied from good to poor. Interventions included combinations of strengthening, balance, functional, mobility, power and wii-fit exercises.

Conclusions

Exercise is an effective intervention to improve physical outcomes and potentially delay or reverse frailty in the pre-frail population. Further high quality research is required to support the recommendations made by this review.

Contribution of the Paper

• The term pre-frail refers to the state between robust and frail and is associated with an increased risk of becoming frail.

• Exercise interventions can have positive effects on physical function, mobility and strength in the pre-frail population.

• Physiotherapists are well placed to deliver exercise interventions and manage pre-frail patients.

• The current evidence base is insufficient; further research of high quality is required to investigate the effects of exercise and early physical exercise intervention in the pre-frail population.

Keywords:

• Pre-frail
• exercise
• physical function
• mobility
• frailty

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.