Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
The safety, acceptability, and effectiveness of home-based 'exercise snacking' for improving physical function of
Mohammad Mahdi Eidiyan-Kakhki1, Hamid Rajabi2, Sadegh Amani-Shalamzari2
1Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran. mo.eidiyan@khu.ac.ir.
Background:
Exercise snacking has emerged as a new method of training to improve physical function in older adults. However, the safety, acceptability, and effectiveness of home-based exercise snacking interventions in this population have not been specifically or systematically evaluated.
Methods:
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science from database inception to May 1, 2026. Randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and controlled before-and-after studies investigating home-based exercise snacking interventions in adults aged 60 years and older were included. Eligible interventions consisted of multiple short bouts (1-10 min) of structured exercise performed at least twice daily at home. Outcomes related to physical function, safety, and acceptability were extracted. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB2 tool for randomized trials and the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for quasi-experimental studies.
Results:
Eight studies (n = 317 participants), primarily conducted in the United Kingdom, China, Korea, and Australia, met the inclusion criteria. Improvements in physical function outcomes-including lower limb strength, balance, and functional mobility-were generally reported compared to baseline or control conditions. Adherence and acceptability were high, ranging from approximately 80 to 115%. Values exceeding 100% reflected participants completing more exercise sessions than prescribed in some studies. Metabolic outcomes were infrequently reported; one study observed reductions in fasting glucose following the intervention, with no significant differences between exercise modalities. Reported adverse events were rare and minor. However, the evidence base remains limited, with relatively few robust studies and modest sample sizes.
Conclusions:
Home-based exercise snacking may represent a safe, feasible, and acceptable intervention to improve physical function in older adults. However, the current evidence base remains limited. Larger, well-designed trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness, safety, and long-term adherence.
