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Effects of Traditional Chinese Exercises on Frailty, Quality of Life, and Physical Function on Frail and Pre-Frail Older People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

  • Clinics and Public Health
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Abstract

Purpose

To explore the effects of traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs) on the frailty status, quality of life, and physical function of frail and pre-frail older adults.

Methods

Eight databases were searched from inception to March 28, 2022. Methodological quality and heterogeneity were assessed. Mean difference (MD) or standardized MD (SMD) were pooled using random-effects or fixed-effects meta-analysis, depending on heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 12 articles were included. Results showed relieved frailty status of frail and pre-frail older adults (SMD = −1.46; 95% CI [−2.39, −0.53]; p < 0.01); quality of life improved (SMD = 0.91, 95% CI [0.19, 1.63]; p < 0.01); grip strength enhanced doing Badaun** (MD = 2.51, 95% CI [1.09, 3.93]; p < 0.01), but no significant improvement with Taichi (MD = 0.10, 95% CI [−2.3,2.5]; p = 0.93); dynamic balance ability improved (MD = −2.57, 95% CI [−2.90, −2.25], p < 0.01); 4.5-m walking time shortened (MD = −0.95; 95% CI [−1.70, −0.20]; p < 0.001); gait speed improved (MD = 0.04; 95% CI [0.01, 0.07]; p = 0.003); lower body endurance increased (MD = 33.78; 95% CI [10.99, 56.68]; p = 0.004); Lower limb flexibility improved (SMD = −2.07; 95% CI [−2.94, −1.21]; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

This study showed that TCEs may be helpful in alleviating frailty status and improving the quality of life and physical functions of frail and pre-frail older adults. Lastly, additional high-quality clinical trials are warranted despite the limited strong evidence.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China

    X. Wan, J. Shen & Guijuan He

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Contributions

Study design: WXR and HGJ; data collection: SJN and WXR; data analysis and manuscript preparation: WXR. All authors contributed to the manuscript writing. All authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript and agreed with the order of presentation of the authors.

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Correspondence to Guijuan He.

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This systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and the prespecified protocol was registered at PROSPERO.

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No conflict of interest has been declared by the authors. This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or nonprofit sectors.

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Wan, X., Shen, J. & He, G. Effects of Traditional Chinese Exercises on Frailty, Quality of Life, and Physical Function on Frail and Pre-Frail Older People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Frailty Aging 11, 407–415 (2022). https://doi.org/10.14283/jfa.2022.52

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