Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40465741›Full record

SynthesisPloS one2025

Indoor mobility challenges among older adults: A systematic review of barriers and limitations.

Xin Er Yaw, Pei Lee Teh, Weng Marc Lim, Shaun Wen Huey Lee

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Article
  3. Article
  4. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Xin Er YawSchool of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9890-6518
Pei Lee TehSchool of Business, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9107-478X
Weng Marc LimSunway Business School, Sunway University, Sunway City, Selangor, Malaysia.
Shaun Wen Huey LeeSchool of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7361-6576

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionThe global population is projected to double by 2050 with most older adults expressing preference to age in place. Despite this demographic shift, indoor mobility challenges which directly impact independence, safety and quality of life remains poorly understudied, creating a critical knowledge gap for effective intervention development.

methodsA systematic literature search was conducted on four databases from inception to September 2024. Inclusion criteria included: (1) participants aged 60 years and above; (2) were primary data on self-reported indoor mobility challenges; and (3) published in English language. Two reviewers independently performed data abstraction, evaluated the risk-of-bias and quality of included article using the NewCastle Ottawa Scale for cross-sectional or Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for qualitative studies. Thematic synthesis with constant comparison analysis identified key mobility constraint factors.

resultsNine studies encompassing 1,833 participants were identified. Older adults reported four main indoor mobility challenges: fatigability, poor balance, home environmental barriers, reduced strength and limb weakness. These limitations contributed to reduced endurance, even in indoor settings. The presence of various health conditions further compromised their mobility and ability to age in place healthily.

conclusionTo support ageing in place, a comprehensive environmental assessments and home modifications can be considered. Multi-stakeholder collaborations are needed to support the independence, safety, and quality of life of older adults who wish to age in place. Further research is warranted in suburban and rural areas to explore socioeconomic factors and determinants of indoor mobility.

Indexed as

Independent LivingMobility LimitationAgedAged, 80 and overFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedQuality of Life

Identifiers

PMID40465741
PMCPMC12136408

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.