Physical Activity as an Intervention for Frailty Syndrome: A Narrative Review.

Abstract

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterised by a decline in functional reserves as the body ages, resulting in increased disability, comorbidity, and mortality. With trends towards ageing populations, frailty syndrome becomes more clinically relevant, highlighting the importance of appropriately preventing and managing the characteristics of frailty syndrome. Risk factor modification is recommended to delay or prevent the onset of frailty, including physical activity alongside other modifiable behaviours such as diet. Ageing is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, resulting in reduced muscle protein synthesis and increased resistance to insulin, which both contribute to sarcopenia. Sarcopenia underpins key characteristics of frailty, including weakness and slow speed. Physical activity stimulates anabolic pathways and improves insulin resistance, reducing sarcopenia. Moreover, aerobic exercise is responsible for increasing the VO