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Effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention on intrinsic capacity among community-dwelling adults aged ≥75 years: A prospective controlled study with 12-month follow-up

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Intrinsic capacity (IC) is key for healthy aging. Evidence on sustained, domain-specific effects of multicomponent programs in routine community settings is limited. Prospective, non-randomized controlled study; group assignment depended on program access and enrollment. Six senior communities in China operated by a Chinese insurance company. Communities were convenience-sampled. Participants were recruited via posters and public lectures. Eligible community-dwelling adults were aged ≥75 years. The intervention group joined a 12-month face-to-face group program (80 min, twice weekly) combining exercise training, cognitive training, nutritional counselling, and chronic disease management. Controls received one health-guidance session after baseline and usual care. IC was measured at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Linear mixed-effects models estimated adjusted means and between-group differences at 6 and 12 months. Holm correction was applied within each outcome. 294 participants were included (173 intervention; 121 control). Mean age was 85.6 ± 4.4 years and 65% were women. Baseline IC was 8.2 ± 1.0. Adjusted IC was higher in the intervention group at 6 months (β = 0.33, 95% CI 0.11–0.56; Holm P = 0.008) and 12 months (β = 0.33, 0.10–0.56; Holm P = 0.008). Locomotion improved (β = 1.68, 95% CI 1.11–2.25 at 6 months; β = 2.05, 95% CI 1.46–2.63 at 12 months; both Holm P < 0.001). Vitality improved at 6 months only (β = 0.52, 95% CI 0.16–0.88; Holm P = 0.009). Cognition and psychology showed no significant between-group effects after Holm adjustment. A community-based multicomponent program was linked to sustained IC improvement, mainly through locomotion, while vitality benefits were short-term. Approved by Peking Union Medical College Hospital Ethics Committee (I-23PJ215), registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300075477). • A 12-month, community-based multicomponent group program was associated with higher IC at both 6 and 12 months versus health guidance. • Benefits were driven mainly by sustained gains in locomotion (SPPB), showing the most consistent and clinically interpretable improvement across follow-up. • This study enrolled older-old adults (≥75 years) with established IC decline, a high-risk group often underrepresented in intervention studies, and recruited them from senior communities with relatively uniform care and support, reducing variability in background services.

Source: Experimental Gerontology

DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2026.113145