Effects of multi-component interventions on the lifestyle in pre-frail or frail older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Frailty is defined as a biological syndrome characterized by a decreased reserve and resistance to stressors. Frailty is closely related to lifestyle, and improving lifestyle can effectively reduce the incidence of frailty and related adverse events. Multi-component interventions were an effective mean of improving lifestyle, which has been validated in studies of other populations. This review aimed to explore the effects of multi-component interventions on the lifestyle in pre-frail or frail older adults. METHODS: Six databases were systematically searched as of 19 November 2024. Only randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. The mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) were calculated to determine the pooled intervention effects. Methodological quality and evidence were assessed using the RoB2 tool and GRADE online tool. RESULTS: Seventeen randomized controlled trials were included in this study. The results showed that the multi-component interventions had positive effects on physical activity (SMD = 0.65, 95 %CI [0.36, 0.95]), social activity (SMD = 0.21, 95 %CI [0.04, 0.37]) and dietary nutrition (SMD = 0.78, 95 %CI [0.11, 1.44]), may reduce sedentary behavior (MD = -31.12, 95 %CI [-58.38, -3.85]). CONCLUSION: In summary, this review analyzed existing literature and the results showed that multi-component interventions have significant benefits on the lifestyle in pre-frail or frail older adults. As the current evidence was limited, more researches were needed in the future to further enrich the evidence in the field of multi-component interventions for pre-frail or frail older adults.