Chair-Based Exercises for Frail Older People: A Systematic Review

Abstract EN

Frail older people are often unable to undertake high-intensity exercise programmes.

Chair-based exercises (CBEs) are used as an alternative, for which health benefits are uncertain.

Objective.

To examine the effects of CBE programmes for frail older people through a systematic review of existing literature.

Method.

A systematic search was performed for CBE-controlled trials in frail populations aged ≥65 years published between 1990 and February 2011 in electronic databases.

Quality was assessed using the Jadad method.

Results.

The search identified 164 references: with 42 duplicates removed, 122 reviewed, 116 excluded, and 6 analysed.

26 outcome measures were reported measuring 3 domains: mobility and function, cardiorespiratory fitness, mental health.

All studies were of low methodological quality (Jadad score ≤2; possible range 0–5).

Two studies showed no benefit, and four reported some evidence of benefit in all three domains.

No harmful effects were reported; compliance was generally good.

Conclusion.

The quality of the evidence base for CBEs is low with inconclusive findings to clearly inform practice.

A consensus is required on the definition and purpose of CBEs.

Large well-designed randomised controlled trials to test the effectiveness of CBE are justified.