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

BACKGROUND: Intrinsic capacity (IC) is key for healthy aging. Evidence on sustained, domain-specific effects of multicomponent programs in routine community settings is limited. DESIGN: Prospective, non-randomized controlled study; group assignment depended on program access and enrollment. SETTING: Six senior communities in China operated by a Chinese insurance company. PARTICIPANTS: Communities were convenience-sampled. Participants were recruited via posters and public lectures. Eligible community-dwelling adults were aged ≥75 years. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: A community-based multicomponent program was linked to sustained IC improvement, mainly through locomotion, while vitality benefits were short-term. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Approved by Peking Union Medical College Hospital Ethics Committee (I-23PJ215), registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300075477).