Int J Sports Med
DOI: 10.1055/a-2674-4030

Authors Author Affiliations

Bruno Remígio Cavalcante 

1   Physical Education, Universidade Federal do Vale do Sao Francisco, Petrolina, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN74373)

Ryan Stanley Falck

2   School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (Ringgold ID: RIN8166)

Dayane Tays Silva

3   Physical Therapy, Universidade de Pernambuco - Campus Petrolina, Petrolina, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN117113)

Igor Rafael Andrade Campos

1   Physical Education, Universidade Federal do Vale do Sao Francisco, Petrolina, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN74373)

Mateus Santos Silva

1   Physical Education, Universidade Federal do Vale do Sao Francisco, Petrolina, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN74373)

Nils Eckardt

4   Institute of Sport Science, Leibniz University Hannover, Hanover, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN26555)

Gabriel Amorim Batista

3   Physical Therapy, Universidade de Pernambuco - Campus Petrolina, Petrolina, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN117113)

Fabiano Moura Ferreira

1   Physical Education, Universidade Federal do Vale do Sao Francisco, Petrolina, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN74373)

André Luiz Torres Pirauá

5   Physical Education, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN67744)

Mariana Ferreira de Souza

1   Physical Education, Universidade Federal do Vale do Sao Francisco, Petrolina, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN74373)

Rodrigo Cappato de Araujo

3   Physical Therapy, Universidade de Pernambuco - Campus Petrolina, Petrolina, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN117113)

BRC, MFS and RCA are supported by CAPES, CNPq and FACEPE grants/scholarships (DTS, IRAC, MSS). RSF is supported by Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research postdoctoral fellow.
Supported by: CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico)
Supported by: FACEPE (Fundação de Amparo à Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Pernambuco)
Supported by: Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Clinical TrialPROSPERO international database (from University of York Centre for Reviews and dissemination) Registration number (trial ID): CRD42020211806
Further Information(opens Publication History section)Also available at   Buy Article(opens in new window) Permissions and Reprints(opens in new window) Abstract

Resistance training is an effective strategy for combating geriatric syndromes, including frailty, sarcopenia, and cognitive impairment. Performing instability resistance training (IRT) (e.g., weight-bearing, machine-based, or free-weight exercises using unstable surfaces) may provide additional benefits on health outcomes in middle-aged and older adults. With this in mind, we examined the impact of IRT on physical and cognitive functioning (primary outcomes), fall risk, and quality of life (secondary outcomes). We searched three specific databases from inception to October 2024. We included peer-reviewed, randomized trials that analysed the effects of intervention on outcomes of interest among adults aged 50 years or older. Risk of bias and quality of reporting were ascertained using validated checklists. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis using robust variance estimation. 18 studies with participants from Brazil, Spain, Germany, and South Korea (n=528, %women: 35–100%) were included in the qualitative review, and 12 studies in the meta-analysis. We found that IRT had a medium-to-large-sized effect on physical and cognitive functioning. Studies had a high quality of reporting but presented significant heterogeneity and low-to-moderate risk of bias. Our findings suggest that IRT is a promising strategy for promoting physical and cognitive benefits in middle-aged and older adults.

Keywords exercise training - rehabilitation - mobility - cognitive function - ageing Publication History

Received: 05 February 2025

Accepted after revision: 31 July 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
31 July 2025

Article published online:
03 September 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

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