Development steps of multimodal exercise interventions for older adults with multimorbidity: A systematic review

• Published in: Health science reports Vol. 7; no. 7; pp. e2190 - n/a
• Main Authors: Forsyth, Faye, Soh, Chien Lin, Elks, Natasha, Lin, Helen, Bailey, Kris, Brooman‐White, Rosalie, Rowbotham, Scott, Mant, Jonathan, Hartley, Peter, Deaton, Christi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01-07-2024; John Wiley and Sons Inc; Wiley
• Subjects: Adults; Chronic illnesses; Comorbidity; Data collection; Exercise; exercise interventions; Geriatrics; Intervention; multimorbidity; older adults; Older people; Original Research; Physical therapy; research waste; multimorbidity; older adults; research waste; exercise interventions
• ISSN: 2398-8835; 2398-8835
• DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2190

Background and Aims
Multicomponent exercise interventions are recommended for older adults and for those with chronic diseases. While multiple programs have been tested, no one has yet explored how these programs were developed. This review set out to determine what development steps multicomponent exercise intervention studies that include older adults with multimorbidity have taken.
Methods
Systematic review and narrative synthesis.
Results
One hundred and thirty‐eight studies meeting review criteria (Population: adults ≥60 years with multimorbidity; Intervention: exercise interventions with ≥2 components; Comparator: any considered; Outcome: any considered) were retrieved. Most studies (70%) do not report intervention development actions as suggested by available guidance. Notable deviations from recommendations include limited performance of systematic review of previously published evidence, lack of engagement with theory, and few examples of design then refine.
Conclusions
Exercise interventions for older adults with multimorbidity do not appear to follow best practice in terms of their developing. Disregard of development recommendations risks contributing to research redundancy and/or avoidable waste, as important steps that make sure the intervention is warranted, suitable for the population in question, and tested using optimal methods and outcome measures are overlooked.
Key points
Most exercise interventions do not appear to be developed in line with current recommendations.
This risks contributing to redundant research and research waste.
Researchers should endeavor to publish developmental work to accelerate future research.