The present systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (34 studies, n = 2830 participants aged ≥ 60 years) shows that supervised exercise intervention (SUP) brings significantly superior benefits compared with unsupervised exercise intervention (UNSUP) on physical function and well-being outcomes.

Significant benefits of SUP over UNSUP were still found for knee extension strength in those studies that applied a similar exercise program in both groups. In addition, greater benefits of SUP were observed compared with UNSUP when participants performed at least 66% of the training sessions in the assigned condition.

Given that both programs are safe and show similar attendance rates, UNSUP could represent a cost-effective tool for improving physical function and well-being in this population when SUP is not feasible.