[A systematic review of intervention programs for frail elderly people enrolled in the Japanese social long-term care insurance system].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to systematically review intervention programs for frail elderly people enrolled in the Japanese social long-term care insurance system to clarify the effects and identify any problems.


METHODS
We reviewed 61 articles (7 in English and 54 in Japanese) from four databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and "Igaku Chuo Zasshi Web" (the Japana Centra Revuo Medicina) version 5. We focused on the following three areas: age and male/female ratio of participants, study design, and intervention program.


RESULTS
The results showed that (1) participants tended to be ≥75 years of age and female, (2) more than half of the programs were of a before and after design, and (3) most interventions took place in local community centers and were group programs for muscle training and/or physical exercise that improved physical function.


CONCLUSIONS
Future studies focusing on the following intervention programs are necessary: individual programs such as home visits for those who do not want to participate in group programs and programs that improve instrumental activities of daily living, nutrition, oral function, cognitive function, and depression. Additionally, while there are many studies reporting the effect of muscle training and exercise, randomized controlled studies are necessary to more accurately evaluate the effects.
Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Department of Public Health.
Shigekazu
S
Ukawa
Akiko
A
Tamakoshi
Ai
A
Sakamoto
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015444:Exercise; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007353:Insurance, Long-Term Care