Current Geriatrics Reports

Frailty is characterized by decreased physiological reserve and increased risk of falls, disability, hospitalization, and mortality. Frail older adults may benefit from exercise interventions targeting their multiple problems and functional deficits; however, most research focuses on center-based interventions, which may present accessibility challenges for frail older adults. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize the most recently published home-based exercise interventions for frail older adults living at home.

Eight manuscripts met inclusion criteria. Research interventions consisted of a variety of modes (strength, strength/nutrition, strength/flexibility/balance/endurance), duration (12 weeks to 6 months), frequency (2–7 days/week), and delivery methods (volunteer-led, videos on a tablet, manuals/brochures). Investigators examined the effects of home-based exercise on a variety of outcomes to include feasibility, frailty status, physical performance, lean body mass, skeletal muscle mass, other physiological outcomes, mental health, nutritional status, and incidence of falls in frail.

This review demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of home-based exercise interventions to improve frailty, functional performance, nutritional status, and incidence of falls in frail older adults. However, the limited literature available provides conflicting reports regarding benefits for mental health outcomes and no evidence of a beneficial effect on skeletal muscle or lean mass. Future research is needed to shed light on the optimal components of home exercise programs most important for maximizing benefits for frail older adults, as well as the most effective delivery method.