《Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice》 ›› 2023, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (11): 1296-1303.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2023.00.003

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Health benefits of exercise rehabilitation in older adults with sarcopenia: a systematic review of systematic reviews

QIAO Hujun1,2, HAO Xin2, LIU Xiaoyan3(), WANG Guoxiang1,4()   

  1. 1. School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences/Exercise Rehabilitation Research Center, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, China
    2. Changzhi University, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, China
    3. Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Beijing 100038, China
    4. WHO-FIC Collaborating Center in China, Beijing 100068, China
  • Received:2023-09-11 Revised:2023-10-11 Published:2023-11-25 Online:2023-11-30
  • Contact: LIU Xiaoyan, E-mail: liuxiaoyan2207@bjsjth.cn;WANG Guoxiang, E-mail: kwang63@163.com

Abstract:

Objective To analyze the disease and functioning characteristics of older adults with sarcopenia, the main exercise rehabilitation interventions, and its health benefits.

Methods Literature related to exercise rehabilitation for older adults with sarcopenia was searched in PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and CNKI, from 2013 to 2023. The quality of included systematic reviews were evaluated. ICD-11 and ICF classification systems, and PICO framework from PRISMA guideline were used to report characteristics of the disease and functioning of the population, the exercise rehabilitation interventions, and its health benefits.

Results Finally, seven systematic reviews from Netherlands, Spain, China, Brazil and Mexico were included, covering 98 related randomized controlled trials, involving 19 794 participants. These systematic reviews mainly came from the journals in the fields of aging, rehabilitation, nutrition, public health and physical exercise, and were published between 2018 and 2023. Exercise rehabilitation for sarcopenia were categorized into three types: exercise rehabilitation, exercise rehabilitation combined with nutritional supplementation, and exercise rehabilitation combined with nursing care. Interventions primarily included aerobic training, resistance training, gait training, strength training, and balance and flexibility exercises. The intervention frequency was six to 150 minutes, one to five times a week, with intensities ranging from low to high, over a duration of six to 144 weeks. The health benefits for older adults with sarcopenia from exercise rehabilitation were reflected in improvement in physical function and structure, and enhancement in activity and participation. In terms of body function and structure, exercise rehabilitation improved muscle strength, control, coordination, gait, balance, leg extension, leg press, back strength and grip strength, and increased muscle quality. In terms of activity and participation, exercise rehabilitation improved physical activity performance, such as walking speed and time of five-repetition chair stand test.

Conclusion Exercise rehabilitation for sarcopenia includes exercise rehabilitation, exercise rehabilitation combined with nutritional supplementation, and exercise rehabilitation combined with nursing care. Exercise rehabilitation can improve the physical function and structure, and enhance activity and participation.

Key words: elderly, sarcopenia, exercise rehabilitation, systematic review

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