Evidence for your Practice: Do Exercise Interventions Improve Participation in Life Roles in Older Adults?

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Article for Review:
Beauchamp, M. K., Lee, A., Ward, R. F., Harrison, S. M., Bain, P. A., Goldstein, R. S., ... & Jette, A. M. (2017). Do Exercise Interventions Improve Participation in Life Roles in Older Adults? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Physical therapy, 97(10), 964-974.

This systematic review evaluated the effect of physical exercise interventions on participation in life roles in older adults residing in the community. Eighteen randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of an exercise intervention to usual care on participation in life roles for adults (age 60+) were included. 

Conclusion:  
In general, exercise interventions do not improve participation in life roles in older adults. The results do not support the implicit assumption that exercise-based interventions associated with improved function/activity also result in improved participation. Investigation of complex interventions that go beyond exercise to address participation in life roles for older adults is warranted.

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