Association between oral frailty and physical frailty among older adults: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis aimed to assess whether oral frailty could be associated with higher odds of physical frailty among older adults. METHODS: A systematic literature search of observational studies was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase from database inception until July 3, 2025. Literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Any discrepancies were resolved through discussion or by consultation with a third reviewer. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA 18.0 to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and P interactions. Subgroup analyses were used to explore sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were ultimately included in this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that the odds of physical frailty in people with oral frailty was 3.11 times as high as that in those without oral frailty (95%CI: 1.89 to 5.10, P < 0.00001). Subgroup analyses revealed age, region, population type, assessment method, and study design as sources of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis showed that the stability of the results. P interactions also revealed interactions between population type and age. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis showed that oral frailty may be positively associated with physical frailty. Early identification of oral frailty could help prevent or delay physical frailty onset through timely interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CRD420251183292.