Does power training improve gait speed in prefrail and frail older adults? A systematic review

Background

Various forms of exercise have been studied to improve parameters of physical functioning in pre-frail and frail older adults, however, specific parameters have not been identified as most beneficial to improve gait speed. This systematic review focused on evaluating power training and its effectiveness on gait speed pre-frail and frail adults over age 65 years.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using Medline, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library to investigate articles published from 2010-2024. Articles were included if they met the following criteria: 1) frail or pre-frail population; 2) gait speed used as an outcome measure; 3) power training or described high-velocity resistance training; 4) intensity 40-60% 1RM with a described velocity component; 5) controlled trial. Qualitative analysis was performed using the PEDro scale.

Results

Six controlled trials, five randomized and one non-randomized, were included that met the eligibility criteria, ranging in quality from fair to excellent. No significant adverse events related to intervention were reported in any of the included studies. Overall, power resistance training exhibited significant improvements in gait speed.

Discussion

The narrow research question and eligibility criteria resulted in 6 articles for analysis. The results of all included articles exhibit significant improvements in gait speed following power training interventions, with the exception of one article.

Conclusion

It appears that power training is a safe and effective intervention to improve gait speed in pre-frail and frail older adults, however, further research is required.