Systematic review of randomized trials on exercise and multidimensional healthspan
In this abstract of a registered systematic review, 15 randomized trials with 4656 participants examined interventions for intrinsic capacity and quality of life; 11 reported improvements with exercise or multidomain interventions that included exercise, while other interventions could not be judged. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
The review focused on multidimensional, person-centered outcomes reflecting functioning rather than disease, such as intrinsic capacity and quality of life. [1]
Of 1960 identified publications, 15 articles with 4656 participants met the inclusion criteria. [1]
Eleven studies reported that exercise or a multidimensional intervention including exercise improved intrinsic capacity and quality of life. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (abstract)
- Population / context
- Human participants in randomized controlled trials (4656 participants across 15 articles).
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- June 1, 2026
Registered review of trials on functioning outcomes
The review asked which interventions can prolong healthspan in humans, defined as the period of life spent in good health. It focused on multidimensional, person-centered outcomes reflecting functioning rather than disease, such as intrinsic capacity and quality of life. The review was registered and followed PRISMA guidelines; MEDLINE, EMBASE and grey literature were searched for studies on interventions improving intrinsic capacity or quality of life, up to 16 October 2025.
Supporting source [1]
15 trials, 4656 participants, varied interventions
Of 1960 identified publications, 15 articles with 4656 participants met the inclusion criteria. The interventions varied widely: exercise alone in 7 studies, multidomain interventions in 6 studies (all including an exercise component), daily oral supplementation in 2 studies and caloric restriction in 1 study. Eleven studies reported that exercise or a multidimensional intervention including exercise improved intrinsic capacity and quality of life.
Supporting source [1]
Heterogeneity limits conclusions on other interventions
Because the number of studies was small and the studies were highly heterogeneous, no conclusion could be drawn about supplementation, caloric restriction or other interventions. The authors see some evidence that exercise, whether aerobic or resistance training alone or a combination of exercise types, could extend intrinsic capacity and quality of life, but call for further research in more diverse populations.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
This is an abstract; the full text was not reviewed. The review included only 15 studies with high heterogeneity, so no conclusion could be drawn about supplementation, caloric restriction or other interventions.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Zheng HT, Phyo AZZ, McCubbin C, Wu Z, Bischoff-Ferrari HA, Ryan J. · europepmc.org · June 1, 2026