Carvalho, AndreiaPalma, Vânia CerqueiraTomás, Maria Teresa2025-12-162025-12-162025-11Carvalho A, Palma VC, Tomás MT. Exercise prescription for frail older adults: impact on handgrip strength and gait speed (a systematic review). Phys Occup Ther Geriatr. 2025 October 30. Epub ahead of print.0270-31811541-3152http://hdl.handle.net/10400.21/22321Introduction: Frailty necessitates effective exercise interventions, yet optimal prescriptions remain unclear. This study aimed to determine such a prescription to improve gait speed and/or handgrip strength in frail older adults. Methods: A systematic review following PRISMA, using PEDro, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, was performed. The evidence certainty was assessed with GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation). Results: Six studies (628 frail older adults) were included. Combined exercise program, with a frequency between two-three times a week, an intensity of moderate to intense, and a duration of each session of 45–60 minutes, yielded the most significant improvements in gait speed (good evidence with very low certainty) and handgrip strength (good evidence with low certainty). Discussion: Handgrip strength and gait speed are likely to improve or be maintained after a combined exercise program of moderate or high intensity performed two to three times a week for at least 45 minutes, in frail older adults.engPhysiotherapyRehabilitationFrailtyOlder adultsExercisePhysical performanceGaitjournal article10.1080/02703181.2025.2582063