Objectives: This study aimed to systematically analyze the efficacy of therapeutic exercise on activities of daily living (ADL) and cognitive function among older residents in long-term care facilities.

Data sources: PubMed, Cochrane Central of Register Trials, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, OTseeker, and Ichushi-Web were searched from inception until December 2018.

Study selection: Databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of therapeutic exercise for long-term care facility residents aged 60 years and older, focusing on ADL and cognitive function as outcomes.

Data extraction: Two independent reviewers extracted the key information from each eligible study. Two reviewers independently screened and assessed all studies for eligibility, extracting information on study participants, details of interventions, outcome characteristics, and significant outcomes. Any discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer.

Data synthesis: A total of 11 RCTs with 1280 participants were eligible for analyses. Therapeutic exercise had a significant benefit on ADL (standard mean difference [SMD]=0. 22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02, 0.42, P=.03). Subgroup analyses indicated that interventions conducted ≥3 days per week [SMD=0.42, 95% CI 0.02, 0.82, P=.04] had a significant benefit on ADL. For cognitive function, group exercise and ≥3 days/week of intervention had a significant benefit (group exercise: mean difference [MD]=3.36, 95% CI 0.91, 5.80, P=.007; ≥3 days/week of

Intervention: MD=2.28, 95% CI 0.07, 4.49, P=.04).

Conclusions: Therapeutic exercise conducted 3 or more days per week may be effective for improving ADL and cognitive function among older residents in long-term care facilities. This meta-analysis suggested that group exercise for cognitive functions was effective. However, the effective method of intervention delivery for ADL was unclear.