Physical Activity and Exercise in the Prevention and Treatment of Frailty

Frailty is a geriatric condition characterized by multisystem decline and increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes, including disability, hospitalization, and death. Its prevalence rises with age, especially in institutionalized individuals, leading to substantial healthcare costs. As a major public health concern, identifying effective management strategies remains a priority. Physical activity (PA) and exercise training (ET) are promising approaches to preventing and reducing frailty. Evidence suggests that consistent PA from early adulthood, particularly at high intensity, significantly lowers frailty risk. Among ET modalities, resistance training, power training, and multicomponent exercise programs are the most effective in mitigating frailty. Proper prescription of ET variables, such as volume and intensity, is essential for optimizing physical performance improvements in older adults.