Complex interventions to improve physical function and maintain independent living in elderly people: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In old age, reduction in physical function leads to loss of independence, the need for hospital and long-term nursing-home care, and premature death. We did a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of community-based complex interventions in preservation of physical function and independence in elderly people.

Methods

We searched systematically for randomised controlled trials assessing community-based multifactorial interventions in elderly people (mean age at least 65 years) living at home with at least 6 months of follow-up. Outcomes studied were living at home, death, nursing-home and hospital admissions, falls, and physical function. We did a meta-analysis of the extracted data.

Findings

We identified 89 trials including 97 984 people. Intervent

SUBMITTER: Beswick AD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2262920 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature