Fisioterapia Brasil · Oct 14, 2026
Frailty syndrome in older adults and relationships with mobility, balance, and functional independence
By Filho EADLDS, Rocha TDS, de Brito AEST et al.
Frailty syndrome is associated with changes in mobility, balance, and functional independence in older adults. This integrative review analyzed the evidence for these relationships. Searches were conducted on October 1, 2026, in PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, and the Virtual Health Library. Two reviewers independently selected the studies and extracted the data, with disagreements resolved by consensus and participation of a third reviewer when necessary. Critical appraisal used Joanna Briggs Institute tools appropriate to the study designs. Of the 80 records identified, 30 were duplicates, and 12 studies were included after screening and assessment of 30 full texts. Observational studies predominated, with the inclusion of two systematic reviews with meta-analysis. Greater frailty was associated with poorer strength, balance, postural stability, and sit-to-stand performance. In prospective studies, there was an association with future falls, although frailty measures and contrasts differed. The meta-analysis of cohorts estimated a pooled relative risk of 1.48, with a 95% confidence interval between 1.27 and 1.73 and high heterogeneity. Prefrailty, frailty, and reduced gait speed were associated with incident disability in basic and instrumental activities. The findings support relationships between greater frailty and functional impairment, but heterogeneity and methodological limitations restrict causal inferences and comparisons of magnitudes. The overlap between classification components and physical measures also warrants caution.