E-Health Interventions for Older Adults With Frailty: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective To systematically review the efficacy of e-Health interventions on physical performance, activity and quality of life in older adults with sarcopenia or frailty. Methods A systematic review was conducted by searching the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINHAL, Web of Science, and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database for experimental studies published in English from 1990 to 2021. E-Health studies investigating physical activity, physical performance, quality of life, and activity of daily living assessment in adults aged ≥65 years with sarcopenia or frailty were selected. Results Among the 3,164 identified articles screened, a total of 4 studies complied with the inclusion criteria. The studies were heterogeneous by participant characteristics, type of e-Health intervention, and outcome measurement. Age criteria for participant selection and sex distribution were different between studies. Each study used different criteria for frailty, and no study used sarcopenia as a selection criteria. E-Health interventions were various across studies. Two studies used frailty status as an outcome measure and showed conflicting results. Muscle strength was assessed in 2 studies, and meta-analysis showed statistically significant improvement after intervention (standardized mean difference, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.07–0.94; p=0.80, I2=0%). Conclusion This systematic review found insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of e-Health interventions. Nevertheless, the studies included in this review showed positive effects of e-Health interventions on improving muscle strength, physical activity, and quality of life in older adults with frailty.

Keywords

• telemedicine
• frailty
• exercise
• aged
• muscle strength