Effects of elastic band training on body composition and physical performance in older people: A systematic review with meta-analysis

• Published in: Experimental gerontology 2024-10, Vol.196, p.112553, Article 112553
• Main Authors: Hernandez-Martinez, Jordan, Cid-Calfucura, Izham, Chiguay, Constanza, Weinberger, Matias, Delgado-Floody, Pedro, Muñoz-Vásquez, Cristopher, Aristegui-Mondaca, Juan, Levín-Catrilao, Álvaro, Herrera-Valenzuela, Tomas, Branco, Braulio Henrique Magnani, Valdés-Badilla, Pablo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Functional status; Muscle strength; Physical functional performance; Postural balance; Resistance training
• ISSN: 0531-5565; 1873-6815; 1873-6815
• DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2024.112553

This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of elastic band training (EBT) on body composition and physical performance in apparently healthy older people. A systematic literature search was conducted between October 2023 and May 2024 using the core collection of six generic databases: PubMed, ProQuest, EBSCOhost, CINAHL Complete, Scopus, and Web of Science. The PRISMA, TESTEX, RoB 2, and GRADE tools assessed the evidence's methodological quality and certainty. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42024547050). Of 5916 records, 9 randomized and non-randomized controlled trials involving 477 healthy older people were included. Six meta-analyses were performed showing significant improvements in 30-second chair stand (SMD = 3.03; 95 % CI = 0.14 to 5.93; I2 = 100 %; p = 0.04), sit-and-reach (SMD = 2.09; 95 % CI = 0.15 to 4.03; I2 = 100 %; p = 0.04) and timed up-and-go (SMD = 3.10; 95 % CI = 1.67 to 4.53; I2 = 98 %; p  0.05) in favor of EBT were reported. EBT improves 30-second chair stand, sit-and-reach, and timed up-and-go in older people. Nevertheless, the certainty of evidence is very low; thus, not definitive recommendations can be made. •EBT significantly improved 30-second chair stand, TUG, and sit-and-reach tests.•EBT not significant improvements in fat-free mass.•The certainty of evidence is very low; thus, not definitive recommendations can be made.•However, recommended to use EBT with a frequency of 2 or 3 weekly sessions of 50 to 80 min on alternate days.