How many adults have sufficient muscle-strengthening exercise and the associated factors: A systematic review consisting of 2,629,508 participants

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this systematic review was to (1) estimate the prevalence of adherence to MSE guidelines (at least 2 times/days a week) among adults; and (2) synthesize evidence on the correlates of adhering to the MSE guidelines. MethodsFive electronic databases were searched (March 2022), with a total of 30 observational studies consisting of 2,629,508 participants meeting eligibility criteria. A meta-analysis was conducted to pool the prevalence of adhering to the MSE guidelines using the results of 21 eligible studies (study aim 1); and data reporting correlates of MSE using 12 eligible studies were synthesized and categorized based on the Socioecological Model Framework (study aim 2). ResultsOverall, 22.8% (95%CI: 18.18% ─ 27.77%) of adults adhered to the MSE guidelines, and 23 potential correlates at five levels were examined. Five variables (i.e., sex, age, education level, socioeconomic status) at the sociodemographic level and two variables (i.e., body mass index, self-rated health) at the physical level were identified as consistent correlates, but with weak to moderate association strengths. ConclusionsLess than a quarter of adults included in this review met the MSE guidelines and adherence to the MSE guidelines is associated with multidimensional correlates, particularly sociodemographic correlates. Our findings support the need to further promote the importance of engaging in MSE among adults and investing in effective interventions that not only provide opportunities for MSE for adults, but also facilitate the development of skills and confidence of individuals to engage in MSE for population health.