Abstract
Physical activity is an important determinant of health in later life. The public health restrictions in response to COVID-19 have interrupted habitual physical activity behaviours in older adults. In response, numerous exercise programmes have been developed for older adults, many involving chair-based exercise. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise the effects of chair-based exercise on the health of older adults. Ovid Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PyscInfo and SPORTDiscus databases were searched from inception to 1 April 2020. Chair-based exercise programmes in adults ≥50 years, lasting for at least 2 weeks and measuring the impact on physical function were included. Risk of bias of included studies were assessed using Cochrane risk of bias tool v2. Intervention content was described using TiDieR Criteria. Where sufficient studies (≥3 studies) reported data on an outcome, a random effects meta-analysis was performed. In total, 25 studies were included, with 19 studies in the meta-analyses. Seventeen studies had a low risk of bias and five had a high risk of bias. In this systematic review including 1388 participants, results demonstrated that chair-based exercise programmes improve upper extremity (handgrip strength: MD = 2.10; 95% CI = 0.76, 3.43 and 30 s arm curl test: MD = 2.82; 95% CI = 1.34, 4.31) and lower extremity function (30 s chair stand: MD 2.25; 95% CI = 0.64, 3.86). The findings suggest that chair-based exercises are effective and should be promoted as simple and easily implemented activities to maintain and develop strength for older adults.
Highlights
IntroductionThe importance of physical activity for older adults’ health is well documented [1,2]
This paper aims to update this previous review and extend the scope for a broader range of potential beneficiaries to systematically review the effects of chair-based exercise on the health of older adults
Gait speed, grip strength and several other physical measurements were often documented as improved in individuals who engaged in chairbased exercise. These findings add to a growing body of evidence that supports the importance of both light intensity activity for health and strength and balance activities to preserve physical function, a message that is important for those who are currently inactive, and as such, chair-based exercise can be promoted as a safe and progressive mode of activity for those who may be frail or deconditioned
Summary
The importance of physical activity for older adults’ health is well documented [1,2]. Physical activity in later life reduces the risk of disease, helps to manage existing conditions and develops and maintains physical and mental function [1,2]. Inactive (defined as not meeting physical activity recommendations) older adults are at an increased risk of developing illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease [3,4,5], as well as experiencing a loss of mobility and functional independence due to declines in muscle mass, physical and neuromuscular function (e.g., muscle strength, power), and increased risk of sarcopenia [6].
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