Revista Tópicos · Nov 2026

Effects of exercise-based interventions on physical function and frailty in older adults: an integrative review

By Pimentel KMF, Mesquita AG

INTRODUCTION: Population aging has increased concern about conditions that compromise the autonomy and functioning of older adults. Among sedentary older adults, reduced muscle strength, mobility, and balance may contribute to functional limitations and greater vulnerability to frailty, highlighting the importance of physical therapy interventions based on physical exercise. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of physical therapy interventions based on physical exercise on functional capacity and, secondarily, on frailty in sedentary older adults. METHODS: This is an integrative literature review conducted in the PubMed, PEDro, LILACS, Scopus, and SciELO databases. Randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials published in Portuguese and English were included, selected after applying the eligibility criteria, resulting in a final sample of ten studies. RESULTS/DISCUSSION: The evidence indicated improvements in different components of functional capacity after the interventions, mainly muscle strength, mobility, balance, and physical performance. Multicomponent programs, resistance training, and mobility-focused interventions showed favorable results. Positive effects on frailty were also identified in some studies, although this outcome was assessed in fewer studies. Differences in populations, program duration, exercise modalities, and assessment instruments limited comparisons between results. CONCLUSIONS: Physical therapy interventions based on physical exercise showed favorable effects on functional capacity in sedentary, prefrail, and frail older adults, with results also observed for frailty in some studies. However, further studies with more standardized protocols and longer follow-up periods are needed.

doi.org/10.70773/revistatopicos/793384811 Open access Interventions