The Effects of Exercise Intervention in Older Adults With and Without Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review

This systematic review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024619693), aimed to evaluate the effects of physical exercise interventions on muscle function and fall risk in older adults with and without sarcopenia. <b>Methods</b>: A comprehensi...

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Main Authors: Jeremy Cabrolier-Molina, Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez, Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Sports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/13/5/152
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author Jeremy Cabrolier-Molina
Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez
Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
author_facet Jeremy Cabrolier-Molina
Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez
Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
author_sort Jeremy Cabrolier-Molina
collection DOAJ
description This systematic review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024619693), aimed to evaluate the effects of physical exercise interventions on muscle function and fall risk in older adults with and without sarcopenia. <b>Methods</b>: A comprehensive search of PubMed and Web of Science databases identified 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2015 and 2025. A total of 792 participants (mean age 75.13 ± 4.71 years; 65.53% women, 34.47% men) were included. Interventions varied in type—strength, balance, aerobic, and multi-component programs—with a minimum duration of 8 weeks. <b>Results</b>: The reviewed studies showed that physical exercise interventions significantly improved neuromuscular function, physical performance, and postural control in older adults. Positive effects were observed in gait speed, stair-climbing ability, grip strength, muscle mass, and bone density. Specific modalities such as Tai Chi improved postural control and neuromuscular response; dynamic resistance and functional training increased muscle strength and improved posture; Nordic walking reduced postural sway; and multi-component and combined walking-resistance training enhanced mobility and force efficiency. Programs integrating strength and balance components yielded the most consistent benefits. However, reporting on FITT (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type) principles was limited across studies. <b>Conclusions</b>: Exercise interventions are effective in improving neuromuscular outcomes and reducing fall risk in older adults, both with and without sarcopenia. The findings support the need for tailored, well-structured programs and greater methodological standardization in future research to facilitate broader clinical application and maximize health outcomes.
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spelling doaj-art-0333b7df1ac24b68a929f11bbefe59c52025-08-20T02:33:58ZengMDPI AGSports2075-46632025-05-0113515210.3390/sports13050152The Effects of Exercise Intervention in Older Adults With and Without Sarcopenia: A Systematic ReviewJeremy Cabrolier-Molina0Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez1Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez2Faculty of Medicine, Health and Sports, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, SpainFaculty of Medicine, Health and Sports, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, SpainFaculty of Medicine, Health and Sports, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, SpainThis systematic review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024619693), aimed to evaluate the effects of physical exercise interventions on muscle function and fall risk in older adults with and without sarcopenia. <b>Methods</b>: A comprehensive search of PubMed and Web of Science databases identified 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2015 and 2025. A total of 792 participants (mean age 75.13 ± 4.71 years; 65.53% women, 34.47% men) were included. Interventions varied in type—strength, balance, aerobic, and multi-component programs—with a minimum duration of 8 weeks. <b>Results</b>: The reviewed studies showed that physical exercise interventions significantly improved neuromuscular function, physical performance, and postural control in older adults. Positive effects were observed in gait speed, stair-climbing ability, grip strength, muscle mass, and bone density. Specific modalities such as Tai Chi improved postural control and neuromuscular response; dynamic resistance and functional training increased muscle strength and improved posture; Nordic walking reduced postural sway; and multi-component and combined walking-resistance training enhanced mobility and force efficiency. Programs integrating strength and balance components yielded the most consistent benefits. However, reporting on FITT (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type) principles was limited across studies. <b>Conclusions</b>: Exercise interventions are effective in improving neuromuscular outcomes and reducing fall risk in older adults, both with and without sarcopenia. The findings support the need for tailored, well-structured programs and greater methodological standardization in future research to facilitate broader clinical application and maximize health outcomes.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/13/5/152aginggeriatric exercisemuscle functionfall preventionfunctional capacitybalance
spellingShingle Jeremy Cabrolier-Molina
Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez
Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
The Effects of Exercise Intervention in Older Adults With and Without Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review
Sports
aging
geriatric exercise
muscle function
fall prevention
functional capacity
balance
title The Effects of Exercise Intervention in Older Adults With and Without Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review
title_full The Effects of Exercise Intervention in Older Adults With and Without Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review
title_fullStr The Effects of Exercise Intervention in Older Adults With and Without Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review
title_full_unstemmed The Effects of Exercise Intervention in Older Adults With and Without Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review
title_short The Effects of Exercise Intervention in Older Adults With and Without Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review
title_sort effects of exercise intervention in older adults with and without sarcopenia a systematic review
topic aging
geriatric exercise
muscle function
fall prevention
functional capacity
balance
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/13/5/152
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