Preclinical mobility limitation outcomes in rehabilitation interventions for middle-aged and older adults population: a scoping review protocol

Abstract Objectives This scoping review aims to understand the extent of evidence regarding preclinical mobility limitation (PCML) intervention studies that have been implemented or planned in middle-aged and older adult populations. Introduction Individuals with PCML are at a high risk of future functional loss and progression to disability. An overview of studies undertaken on this emerging topic is now due. Inclusion criteria Rehabilitation intervention studies that measured PCML outcomes or assessed individuals at the PCML stage will be included. Studies will be considered if the participants are middle-aged (45-64yrs) or older adults (≥ 65yrs) in any setting, including community-dwelling, hospital discharges, or institutional settings. Methods Seven databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science and Cochrane CENTRAL) were searched to locate relevant published and unpublished intervention studies (English evidence from inception onwards). The search strategy will be generated using the PCC framework (population, concept, and context) and refined after consulting with a McMaster research librarian. In addition, a manual search from the reference list of retrieved papers and review articles will also be performed. Two reviewers will use predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria to independently review titles, abstracts, and full texts of potential articles. Any disagreements on study selection will be resolved by discussion or consensus involving a third reviewer. Data will be collected and reported using a predefined data extraction chart and described using qualitative content analysis.