Motor-cognitive interventions for older adults with cognitive frailty: A scoping review

To synthesize current motor-cognitive training approaches for older adults with cognitive frailty, including characteristics of interventions (format, duration, frequency, etc.), outcomes indicators, influencing factors, and limitations.

A scoping review METHODS: This study methodological framework adopts Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) scoping review framework, following five-step process, which included identification of research questions and relevant studies, study selection, data charting, and collation, summarization, and reporting of the results.

PubMed, the Cochrane library, Web of science, Embase, PsycINFO, CINHAL, CNKI and Wan Fang were systematically searched to select articles published from 2015 to 2025.

Thirteen articles were included, comprising 9 randomized controlled trials and 4 quasi-experimental studies. The interventions generally combined components targeting physical and cognitive function. Delivery formats ranged from traditional face-to-face sessions to technology-assisted approaches, including virtual reality, interactive games, and web-based software or platforms. Intervention effects may vary according to sequencing, dose, delivery mode, and participant characteristics. Evidence appeared relatively more consistent for improvements in cognitive function and frailty status, whereas findings for other outcomes remained limited.

Current evidence on motor-cognitive interventions for older adults with cognitive frailty remains heterogeneous and fragmented. Although these interventions may benefit cognitive function and frailty status, broad conclusions regarding efficacy or optimal design cannot yet be drawn. Digital technology-assisted interventions may be a promising delivery mode, but direct comparisons with traditional interventions remain scarce. Future high-quality studies should further examine optimal formats, dose, sequencing, safety, cost-effectiveness, and long-term maintenance effects.

These findings may help healthcare professionals better understand the current landscape of motor-cognitive interventions and support the design of more feasible, targeted, and evidence-informed intervention programs.

PRISMA-ScR PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.