Community Exercise Interventions for Elderly: Health Outcomes and Quality of Life Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Physical and mental degeneration in elderly persons reduces their Quality of Life (QoL). Aerobic (AE) and Multi-Component Exercises (MCE) are two examples of  community-based exercise programs that are effective in improving the mental and physical health of senior persons. However, the evidence comparing the effectiveness of MCE versus AE in older adults living in the community remains limited.  Subjects and Methods: This meta-analysis used a PICO approach with a population of community-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years, comparing multi-component exercise (MCE) and aerobic exercise (AE) on quality of life (QoL). Relevant RCT studies from 2015–2025 were retrieved from PubMed, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and Scielo using relevant keywords. Data were analyzed using RevMan 5.4 with pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) to assess the effects of the interventions. Results: Six RCTs involving 478 participants were included. Multicomponent exercise showed a higher effect size (SMD = 0.27) than aerobic exercise (SMD = 0.18), although neither reached statistical significance. The overall pooled effect favored exercise interventions (SMD = 0.23; 95% CI: -0.05 to 0.50). Conclusion:   MCE having slightly better effects than AE. Multicomponent exercise is an excellent way to promote physical activity and improving QoL in the elderly population.