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European Review of Aging and Physical Activity
Published in: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity 1/2022

Open Access 01-12-2022 | Mild Neurocognitive Disorder | Review article

The effects of interventions to enhance cognitive and physical functions in older people with cognitive frailty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Ada Chung Ying Tam, Amanda Wan Yee Chan, Daphne Sze Ki Cheung, Lily Yuen Wah Ho, Angel Shuk Kwan Tang, Martin Christensen, Mimi Mun Yee Tse, Rick Yiu Cho Kwan

Published in: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Introduction

Cognitive frailty is the co-existence of mild cognitive impairment and physical frailty that increases the risk of adverse health outcomes. The existing systematic reviews on cognitive frailty in the literature have focused only on identifying associated factors and adverse outcomes, and their relationship with frailty and cognition. This study aimed to examine the effects of interventions on cognitive functions, frailty, and physical functions and provide an overview of intervention components used in older people with cognitive frailty.

Methods

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane were searched for publishing during 2013–2021. Studies were selected based on the following eligibility criteria: 1) older people (age ≥ 60 years), 2) cognitive frailty, 3) outcomes on frailty or cognition or physical function, and 4) randomized controlled trial with any type of intervention. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale was used to rate the quality of the included studies. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021251321).

Results

Two thousand five hundred six studies were identified, 9 were eligible, and 8 were included in the meta-analysis. The standardized mean difference (Hedges G) between groups of cognitive functions was 0.95, frailty status was 0, physical function in walking was -1.67, and the physical function in core strength assessment was 3.39. Physical activity appeared as an essential component in all interventions for older people with cognitive frailty.

Discussion

All interventions include physical activity as one of the components. Other components include cognitive training, nutrition education, behavioural intervention, mind–body intervention, psychosocial support, and virtual reality. The interventions are effective to promote cognitive and physical functions, but not physical frailty.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
The effects of interventions to enhance cognitive and physical functions in older people with cognitive frailty: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors
Ada Chung Ying Tam
Amanda Wan Yee Chan
Daphne Sze Ki Cheung
Lily Yuen Wah Ho
Angel Shuk Kwan Tang
Martin Christensen
Mimi Mun Yee Tse
Rick Yiu Cho Kwan
Publication date
01-12-2022
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
European Review of Aging and Physical Activity / Issue 1/2022
Print ISSN: 1813-7253
Electronic ISSN: 1861-6909
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-022-00299-9

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