Page 13 - IJPS-11-1

International Journal of
Population Studies Exercise and frailty in older adults

Bello et al., 2024; Lin et al., 2022; Sadjapong et al., 2020; et al., 2020; Valenzuela et al., 2020). Engaging in targeted
Talar et al., 2021). Keywords such as “endurance training,” physical activities has been shown to help reduce the
“resistance training,” and “tai chi,” indicate the diverse range risk of falls, improve overall balance and mobility, and
of exercise modalities explored as interventions for older combat the effects of sarcopenia, thereby enhancing
adults at risk of or experiencing frailty. The prominence muscle function and prolonging physical independence
of this cluster suggests that exercise is considered a (DeVito et al., 2003; Dipietro et al., 2019; Gschwind
potentially powerful intervention for improving outcomes et al., 2013; Kovács et al., 2013; Rubenstein et al., 2000).
in frailty. Research within this cluster encompasses a Research on this cluster emphasizes the significance of
variety of exercise regimens, from low-impact activities exercise interventions not only in improving measurable
like tai chi – known for its benefits on balance and mental physical capabilities but also in reducing the incidence of
well-being (Kasim et al., 2020; Lee & Chu, 2023) – to more functional decline (Cancela et al., 2016; Gill et al., 2002).
traditional endurance and resistance training, which target By focusing on how exercise can help maintain or increase
cardiovascular health and muscle strength, respectively strength and mobility, these studies seek to prevent the
(Izquierdo et al., 2021; Mauricio et al., 2024; Seguin & onset of disability that can lead to increased dependence
Nelson, 2003). on others.

Previous studies have focused on how these different Moreover, this cluster hints at the broader implications
modalities of exercise can affect the frailty process. These of maintaining physical function, such as the reduction of
trials seek to determine not only the effectiveness of such hospitalizations and the associated health-care costs. The
interventions in improving the physical and functional ability to independently perform activities of daily living
capacities of older adults but also the optimal protocols for without assistance is a key factor in avoiding prolonged
delivering these benefits (Boreskie et al., 2022). This area hospital stays and admissions to long-term care facilities
of research includes assessing factors such as frequency, (Weening-Dijksterhuis et al., 2011). In essence, the
intensity, and duration of exercise. Multicomponent physical function cluster represents a crucial arena where
exercise programs, which combine various types of physical the practical benefits of exercise are scrutinized in terms
activities to address a range of physical capabilities, are of functional capabilities. The ultimate goal of the research
also critical areas of study within this cluster (Edna Mayela within this cluster is to inform interventions that can help
et al., 2023). These programs aim to optimize the benefits older adults maintain their independence and continue to
of exercise by targeting multiple aspects of health and lead active, fulfilling lives.
physical function that contribute to frailty. The exercise
cluster thus highlights an extensive body of evidence that 3.4. Top countries in research on exercise and frailty
supports the use of physical activity as a key component The bibliometric analysis reveals that research on exercise
in the management and treatment of frailty. Ongoing and frailty is dominated by countries from North America,
research continues to refine the understanding of how best Western Europe, and East Asia. The United States of
to use exercise to prevent and reverse frailty symptoms, America (USA), Japan, and Spain emerge as the top three
with the goal of providing tailored, effective exercise most productive countries, contributing a significant
protocols to promote the health and independence of the number of publications in this field. Interestingly, China
aging population. demonstrated the highest annual growth rate and papers
per decade per year, indicating a rapidly growing interest
3.3.5. Physical function cluster (purple) in this area of research. This trend highlights the potential
Keywords such as “disability,” “balance,” and “sarcopenia” for collaborations between these productive regions,
(Azizan, 2024) indicate a focus on functional outcomes such which could enhance the quality and impact of future
as strength, mobility, and falls (Evans et al., 2023; Rodrigues publications.
et al., 2022). Studies have assessed the impact of exercise
on reducing functional decline, falls, hospitalization, and 3.4.1. Leading institutions in research on exercise and
loss of independence (Sun et al., 2021). The presence of frailty
these keywords delineates a focus on tangible, measurable At the institutional level, the research landscape is
aspects of physical health that critically affect the quality of dispersed, with only a handful of institutions publishing
life in older adults. This cluster underscores the importance more than five papers. The University of Valencia in Spain
of strength, mobility, and fall prevention as key indicators stands out as the most prolific institution, followed by the
of healthy aging. Studies within this cluster have explored School of Medicine in the USA and the Division of Human
how various forms of exercise can bolster these aspects Nutrition and Epidemiology in the Netherlands. While
of physical function (Lafrenière et al., 2016; Valenzuela, European institutions dominate the top 20 list, there is a

Volume 11 Issue 1 (2025) 7 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.3282