Table 2 Summary of findings

IADL/ADL. Various scales. Including studies with NEADL, NEADL (60), SMAF, SWED-QUAL Subscale Physical function. Higher score indicates better function. Mean duration of follow-up: 8 months (range 1–12 months)

SMD − 0.17 [− 0.76, 0.42], I² = 90%

p = 0.58

655 (7)

⨁OOO very low^a

IADL/ADL. NEADL Score 0–22 points. Higher score indicates better results. Mean duration of follow-up: 2.8 months (range 1–6 months)

MD − 0.35 [− 1.31, 0.61], I² = 79%

p = 0.34

510 (5)

⨁OOO very low^c

Quality of life. Various scales: EQ-5D overall score, EQ-5D subscale VAS, SWED-QUAL subscale general health perception. Higher score indicates better health status. Mean duration of follow-up: 2.6 months (range 1–6 months)

SMD 0.06 [− 030, 0.42] I² = 42%

p = 0.74

263 (5)

⨁OOO low^c

Quality of life. EQ-5D overall score 0–1. Higher score indicates better health status. Mean duration of follow-up: 2.6 months (range 1–6 months)

MD 0.03 [− 0.08, 0.15], I² = 0%

p = 0.56

186 (3)

⨁⨁OO low^b

Mobility. Various scales: Tinetti (scale 4–24) and RMI (0–15). Higher scores indicate better mobility. Mean duration of follow-up: 2 months (range 1–3 months)

SMD 1.24 [‘-0.69, 3.17], I² = 78%

p = 0.21

26 (2)

⨁OOO very low^b

Fear of falling. FES-I Score 10–100. Higher scores indicate more confidence. Mean duration of follow-up: 3.3 months (range 1–6 months)

MD − 4.01 [− 10.4, 2.05], I² = 51%

p = 0.19

85 (3)

⨁OOO very low^c

Fixed effect model: (MD − 4.74 [− 8.30, − 1.18] I2 = 51%, p = 0.009

Risk of falling Mean duration of follow-up: 9.2 months (range 1–12 months)

RR 0.88 [0.70, 1.09], I² = 0%

p = 0.25

501 (5)

⨁⨁⨁O^d moderate

Risk of readmission: Mean duration of follow-up: 5 months (range 1–12 months)

RR 1.09 [0.64, 1.87], I² = 43%

p = 0.74

590 (5)

⨁⨁⨁O^d moderate

Adverse effects of intervention:

Zero adverse events in both groups were reported in one study.

59 (1)