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World J Meta-Anal. Sep 18, 2026; 14(3): 121960
Published online Sep 18, 2026. doi: 10.13105/wjma.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, 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, Queens
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
Revised: June 1, 2026
Accepted: July 1, 2026
Published online: September 18, 2026
Processing time: 158 Days and 18.7 Hours
Core Tip
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.