Effects of home-based exercise on the mental and physical health of older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the effects of home-based exercise programs on the mental and physical health of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHOD: Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, EBSCO, and Embase until June 2024. In total, 14 Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) were included. RESULTS: Home-based exercise presented a small effect on depressive symptoms (standard mean difference [SMD]: -0.38; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: -0.65 to -0.12) and a large effect on dynamic balance [SMD]: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.49 to 1.13). No effects were found for home-based exercise on other outcomes. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis found that home-based exercise was effective in reducing depression and improving dynamic balance in older adults. However, further studies are needed due to methodological issues related to the intervention and some concerns identified about the risk of bias. PROSPERO NUMBER: CRD42023397441.