A review of sixteen studies looked at digital health tools for older people with frailty or muscle loss. These programs helped participants build more total skeletal muscle mass and increase their walking speed. Balance skills and how people felt about their lives also improved significantly during the two and a half month period.
Some physical tests did not show big changes. Measures like grip strength, BMI, and walking distance stayed the same on average. This means the digital tools work well for some body functions but not others. The results vary because different people react differently to these programs.
The evidence quality is low because the studies were not exactly the same. Wide prediction intervals suggest real effects might change based on the specific group or how the program is run. Future research needs to be higher quality to give clearer answers.
Digital health tools are a promising and cost-effective strategy for service expansion, supporting underserved populations by overcoming geographical and resource constraints. They offer a way to reach more people who need help staying strong and mobile.