Journal of the American Medical Directors Association · Nov 5, 2026

The Effectiveness of Socially Assistive Robots on Intrinsic Capacity in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

By Luo C, Li H, Yu Y et al.

Objectives To evaluate the effects of socially assistive robots (SARs) on the 5 domains of intrinsic capacity (IC) in older adults. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Setting and Participants A total of 19 RCTs involving 2121 adults aged 60 years or older in long-term care, day-care, community, and home settings were included. Methods Six databases were searched from inception to July 30, 2025, and the search was updated on September 17, 2026. Outcomes were classified according to the 5 IC domains: cognition, psychological capacity, vitality, locomotion, and sensory capacity. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CIs were pooled. Risk of bias was assessed using Risk of Bias 2, and certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Results Interventions involving SARs improved cognitive function (SMD, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.05-0.36) and composite psychological outcomes (SMD, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.24-0.66) and reduced loneliness (SMD, −0.77; 95% CI, −1.54 to −0.002). Participants receiving interventions involving SARs recorded fewer daily steps than controls (SMD, −0.38; 95% CI, −0.60 to −0.16). No significant effects were found for depression, anxiety, agitation, apathy, or vitality. No RCT assessed sensory capacity. Conclusions and Implications Interventions involving SARs improved cognitive function and selected psychological outcomes, but their effects were not consistent across all IC domains. In geriatric nursing, SARs may be integrated into person-centered care as adjunctive tools to support older adults’ cognitive and psychological health while preserving opportunities for physical activity.

doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2026.106544PubMed 42987450Interventions