Ndirangu MW, Soldera J. Resistance training effect on functional decline in older adults with dementia. World J Meta-Anal 2026; 14(3): 121960 [DOI: 10.13105/wjma.121960]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Jonathan Soldera, MSc Acute Medicine and Gastroenterology, University of South Wales in association with Learna Ltd, University of South Wales, Llantwit Road, Pontypridd, Cardiff CF37 1DL, United Kingdom. jonathansoldera@gmail.com
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Geriatrics & Gerontology
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Ndirangu MW, Soldera J. Resistance training effect on functional decline in older adults with dementia. World J Meta-Anal 2026; 14(3): 121960 [DOI: 10.13105/wjma.121960]
World J Meta-Anal. Sep 18, 2026; 14(3): 121960 Published online Sep 18, 2026. doi: 10.13105/wjma.121960
Resistance training effect on functional decline in older adults with dementia
Miriam Wangari Ndirangu, Jonathan Soldera
Miriam Wangari Ndirangu, MSc Acute Medicine, University of South Wales in association with Learna Ltd, University of South Wales, Cardiff CF37 1DL, United Kingdom
Jonathan Soldera, MSc Acute Medicine and Gastroenterology, University of South Wales in association with Learna Ltd, University of South Wales, Cardiff CF37 1DL, United Kingdom
Jonathan Soldera, Department of Gastroenterology, Logan Hospital, Brisbane 4131, Queensland, Australia
Co-first authors: Miriam Wangari Ndirangu and Jonathan Soldera.
Author contributions: Soldera J, Ndirangu MW participated in the concept and design research, drafted the manuscript and contributed to data acquisition, analysis and interpretation; Soldera J contributed to study supervision; all authors contributed to critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content.
AI contribution statement: AI tools were used in a limited capacity to assist with language refinement and summarization during the process. No section of the manuscript was generated solely by AI without substantial human input, critical review, and revision by the authors. AI tools were not involved in study design, data collection, statistical analysis, or interpretation of results. All scientific content, conclusions, and final wording were determined by the authors. No figures, images, or graphical elements were generated using AI.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
PRISMA 2009 Checklist statement: The authors have read the PRISMA 2009 Checklist, and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the PRISMA 2009 Checklist.
Corresponding author: Jonathan Soldera, MSc Acute Medicine and Gastroenterology, University of South Wales in association with Learna Ltd, University of South Wales, Llantwit Road, Pontypridd, Cardiff CF37 1DL, United Kingdom. jonathansoldera@gmail.com
Received: April 10, 2026 Revised: June 1, 2026 Accepted: July 1, 2026 Published online: September 18, 2026 Processing time: 158 Days and 18.7 Hours
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Dementia is commonly accompanied by impaired mobility and increased falls, contributing substantially to disability and dependence. Pharmacological treatments have provided limited benefit for physical function, increasing interest in non-pharmacological interventions aimed at preserving mobility and independence. Resistance training may represent a promising intervention for preserving mobility in dementia, although evidence regarding its effectiveness remains incompletely synthesised.
AIM
To determine whether resistance training decreases functional decline in older adults with dementia, particularly gait speed, falls, mobility, and independence.
METHODS
A meta-analysis was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251138318). Randomised controlled trials on resistance training in adults aged ≥ 60 years with dementia were identified through PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Primary outcomes were gait speed and falls; secondary outcomes included physical function, daily activities, muscle strength, quality of life, cognition, and adverse events. Risk of bias and meta-analysis were completed using standard tools.
RESULTS
Eight randomised controlled trials involving 1059 participants were included. Meta-analysis of five trials (n = 329) demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in gait speed favouring resistance training (mean difference 0.10 m/second, 95% confidence interval: 0.04-0.15; P = 0.0004) with negligible heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). Four trials reporting fall outcomes showed a consistent trend toward reduced fall incidence (incidence rate ratios = 0.86, 95% confidence interval: 0.71-1.05), although statistical significance was not reached. Secondary outcomes, including physical performance, activities of daily living, and muscle strength, demonstrated variable findings across studies.
CONCLUSION
Resistance training improves gait speed and may reduce falls in older adults with dementia, supporting its safe integration into the dementia care pathway, to enhance mobility and independence.
Core Tip: Resistance training results in consistent and clinically meaningful improvements in gait speed in older adults with dementia, with negligible heterogeneity across trials. Although a non-significant reduction in fall incidence is observed, the direction and magnitude of effect suggest a probable benefit limited by current sample sizes. These findings support resistance training as a key intervention to preserve mobility and potentially reduce fall risk in this population.
