Functional exercise improved physical measures in older women, with broader benefits uncertain
A trial review found better function, strength, and power; evidence for psychological, social, and inflammatory outcomes was less consistent.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The pooled trials found improvements in physical function, strength, and power among older women participating in functional exercise. Evidence for psychosocial outcomes and inflammatory markers was less consistent. These findings support interest in the physical outcomes studied, while leaving uncertainty about broader claims of healthy aging, preserved independence, or changes in immune aging.
This abstract-based account lacks details on control conditions, exercise programmes, and follow-up length. Psychosocial and inflammatory findings varied more, and the authors describe the broader evidence as limited.
What researchers found
Physical function difference (SMD)
Functional exercise versus unspecified trial controls; assessment timing unreported. The positive value means better functionality with exercise; standard deviations describe how widely scores vary.
What the physical findings cover
Physical functionality, muscle strength, and power were separate outcomes. The abstract gives pooled estimates for these measures, but does not describe the tests used or show how gains translated into everyday independence.
Biomarkers need separate interpretation
The review also reported possible psychosocial improvements and lower inflammatory markers, with more variable results. Marker changes alone cannot establish fewer illnesses or a clinically meaningful improvement in immune aging.
The original publication
The effects of functional exercise on healthy aging in women over 60 years of age: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Rodríguez-Otero H, Hernandez-Lucas P, Lopez-Barreiro J et al.
Arch Gerontol Geriatr · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41547029
- Record checked
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