Jump Training for Active Aging: A Systematic Review of the Impacts on Functionality, Muscle Power, and Muscle Strength in Older Adults

Background: Jump training and plyometrics may constitute strategies for stimulating lower-limb power and strength in older adults. However, heterogeneity in protocols and incomplete reporting of adverse events limit the interpretation of their effectiveness and safety. Objective: To synthesize the effects of interventions including jump training on lower-limb functionality, strength, and power and to characterize safety reporting in adults aged 60 years or older. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 recommendations and the Cochrane Handbook. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from database inception through September 2026. Randomized trials and non-randomized controlled studies were considered. Results: Because of the clinical and methodological heterogeneity of the data, a narrative synthesis was performed. After application of the eligibility criteria, five studies—four randomized trials and one non-randomized study—were analyzed; they showed improvements in specific measures of muscle strength, jumping performance, and functionality. However, outcomes, comparators, doses, and sample sizes differed, precluding estimation of a pooled effect. Three randomized trials were judged to have some concerns and one to have a high risk of bias; the non-randomized study had a serious risk of bias. Adverse-event reporting was incomplete and included musculoskeletal complaints and withdrawals associated with symptoms in some studies. Conclusion: The included studies suggest possible benefits for specific measures of strength, jump power, and functional performance; however, the small number of studies, heterogeneity of protocols and comparators, and methodological limitations preclude estimation of a pooled effect or the conclusion that jump training prevents falls. Incomplete reporting of adverse events also prevents the establishment of universal safety. If used in practice, training should be individualized and introduced cautiously. Future studies should clarify dose and progression, directly assess functional outcomes and falls, and standardize safety reporting.