Predictors of progression from pre-frailty to frailty in older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Introduction Frailty is a global health issue, particularly among older adults, and is strongly associated with adverse health outcomes. The intermediate stage of pre-frailty, which represents a transition from robust health to frailty, has garnered growing concern due to its potential reversibility. This systematic review and meta-analysis will aim to identify predictors associated with the progression from pre-frailty to frailty in older adults.Methods and analysis A comprehensive literature search will be conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CNKI, Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and China Biomedical Literature Database from inception to the most recent search date. Eligible studies will report predictors of frailty progression among older adults with pre-frailty at baseline. Two reviewers will independently screen the studies, extract relevant data and assess methodological quality using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis and meta-regression will be performed to estimate pooled effect sizes and explore potential predictors. Subgroup analyses will be conducted to investigate possible sources of heterogeneity.Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval will not be required, as this study will not involve primary data collection. The findings will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.PROSPERO registration number CRD42024594175.