A systematic review of intervention programs for frail elderly people enrolled in the Japanese social long-term care insurance system

Objectives 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. Conclusion 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.