Comparative effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for frailty: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background Frailty endangers the health of older adults. Furthermore, the prevalence of frailty continues to increase as the global population ageing. Objective To update evidence on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for frailty by conducting a network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Methods Eight databases were searched from January 1, 2000, until September 24, 2021. RCTs of interventions for frailty among participants aged >= 60 years were considered eligible. The primary outcome was frailty. Pairwise meta-analysis and NMA were performed, with the pooled standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) being reported. Results A total of 69 RCTs were included after screening 16,058 retrieved citations. There were seven types of interventions (11 interventions) for frailty among the included RCTs. Physical activity (PA) (pooled SMD = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.34-0.51), multicomponent intervention (pooled SMD = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.23-0.45) and nutrition intervention (pooled SMD = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.06-0.35) were associated with reducing frailty compared to control, of which PA was the most effective type of intervention. In terms of specific types of PA, resistance training (pooled SMD = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.33-0.83), mind-body exercise (pooled SMD = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.24-0.90), mixed physical training (pooled SMD = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.37-0.57) and aerobic training (pooled SMD = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.09-0.62) were associated with a reduction in frailty compared to usual care. Resistance training was the most effective PA intervention. Conclusion Resistance training has the best potential to reduce frailty in older adults. This finding might be useful to clinicians in selecting interventions for older adults with frailty.

Automated summary

Frailty poses a threat to the health of older adults, and its prevalence continues to rise with global population aging. This study conducted a network meta-analysis to update the evidence on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for frailty. The results showed that physical activity, multicomponent intervention, and nutrition intervention were associated with reducing frailty, with physical activity being the most effective. Among different types of physical activity, resistance training was found to be the most effective intervention.