The effectiveness of physical exercise type and length to prevent falls in nursing homes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effect of physical exercise on fall prevention and the characteristics required for effective exercise.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

METHOD

Six databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Excerpta Medica Database, SinoMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched to find the relevant randomised controlled trials published before January 2021. The study was reported in compliance with PRISMA statement. The included studies were assessed for quality using the Cochrane "Risk of Bias" assessment tool, and the data were analysed with review manager.

RESULTS

Overall, fourteen studies were included. Compared physical exercise with normal daily life, the pooled effect size of all trials indicated that intervention had significant effect on fall prevention (RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.73-0.98). The result of subgroup revealed that long-term exercise and balance exercise could reduce falling, while short-term exercise and more complex exercise couldn't.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise may be effective in reducing falls, and long-term balance exercise played a role in preventing falls in nursing homes.