Home-based exercise programmes improve physical fitness of healthy older adults: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis with relevance for COVID-19

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of home-based exercise programmes on measures physical-fitness in healthy older adults. Seventeen randomized-controlled trials were included with a total 1,477 participants. Results indicated small training muscle strength (between-study standardised-mean-difference [SMD] = 0.30), power (SMD 0.43), muscular endurance 0.28), balance 0.28). We found no statistically significant for single-mode vs. multimodal (e.g., combined balance, strength, flexibility exercises) balance. Single-mode had moderate 0.51) 0.65) while Irrespective type, >3 weekly sessions produced larger 0.45) 0.37) compared ?3 (muscle strength: SMD 0.28; balance: 0.24). For session-duration, only ?30 min per-session 0.35) 0.34). No differences observed between all independently-computed single-training factors. Home-based appears effective improve components health- (i.e., endurance) skill-related power, balance) physical-fitness. Therefore, times restricted physical activity due pandemics, exercises constitute an alternative counteract inactivity preserve/improve health fitness adults aged 65-to-83 years.