The Effects of Multicomponent Training on Functional Fitness in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the effects of multicomponent training (MCT) on functional fitness in older adults. Methods: Primary sources were sourced from four databases: Scopus, PubMed, CENTRAL, and Web of Science. The search period spanned from the inception of these databases up to February 10, 2025. Standardized mean differences, weighted mean differences, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using either random or fixed-effect models for the outcomes. Results: After the screening process, a total of 20 studies comprising 1,217 participants were included in the systematic review. The results of the meta-analysis showed that MCT improved Short Physical Performance Battery test (1.20 [95% CI: 0.98-1.42], p = .001), arm curl (0.89 [95% CI: 0.51-1.24], p = .001), 30-s chair stand (1.28 [95% CI: 0.81-1.74], p = .001), chair sit-and-reach (0.62 [95% CI: 0.38-0.87], p = .001), back scratch (0.44 [95% CI: 0.25-0.63], p = .001), timed up and go (0.80 [95% CI: 0.38-1.22], p = .001), 6-min walk (1.24 [95% CI: 0.62-1.86], p = .001), and 2-min step (0.52 [95% CI: 0.21-0.84], p = .001). Additionally, the results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that there was a significant difference (0.35 [95% CI: 0.25-0.46], p = .001) between MCT and conventional training (CT) on functional fitness in older adults, favoring MCT. Conclusion: The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that MCT significantly and positively improved functional fitness in older adults; also, the results of current meta-analysis showed that MCT has a significantly better effect on the functional fitness in older adults than CT.