Simple Exercises Can Decrease Risk of Hospital-Associated Disabilities
Hospitalization-associated disability (HAD), the loss of the ability to perform one or more basic activities of daily living (ADLs) independently at discharge, occurs in more than one-third of hospitalized older adults. HAD is associated with long-term disability, institutionalization, and death. A new study in the April issue of JAMDA shows that a simple inpatient exercise program decreases the risk of HAD in very old hospitalized patients.
In Effect of a Simple Exercise Programme on Hospitalisation-Associated Disability in Older Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial, researchers divided participants into control and intervention groups. The intervention group underwent a simple program of exercise, started the day after hospital admission. This consisted solely of rising from a seated to an upright position in the patient’s room and supervised walking exercises along the ward’s corridor. Standing and walking exercises were separated by a rest period of up to 5 minutes.
Compared to controls, patients in the intervention group had a significantly lower incidence of HAD at discharge, even when adjusting for clinical characteristics and functional performance at admission. A trend, though non-significant, toward a lower mortality risk was observed in the intervention group as well.
The authors observed, “Because HAD has major negative consequences for patients and caregivers, our results support the routine implementation of these exercises during the acute hospitalization of older patients.” They further noted that the “combination of walking with lower limb strengthening exercises can provide greater benefits on functional ability.” In fact, they said, walking combined with stretching/strengthening exercises is associated with better ADL function one-month post-discharge.
This study was conducted by researchers at Geriatric Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Maranon, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria Gregorio Maranon, Madrid, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Frailty and Healthy Ageing, CIBERFES, Madrid, Spain; Universidad Autonoma de Chile, Talca, Chile; Systems Biology Department, University of Alcala, Madrid, Spain; School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Sports Department, Instituto Nacional de Educacion Fisica, Universidad Politecnica, Madrid, Spain; i-HeALTH, European University Miguel de Cervantes, Valladolid, Spain; Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
Click here for more information on the findings above and more details about the study. To contact the researchers or JAMDA editor for an interview, please email emullally@paltc.org.
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About JAMDA
JAMDA is the official journal of AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. JAMDA publishes peer-reviewed articles including original studies, reviews, clinical experience articles, case reports, and more, on all topics more important to post-acute and long-term care medicine. Visit www.jamda.com for more information.
About AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine
AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine is the only medical specialty society representing the community of over 50,000 medical directors, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other practitioners working in the various post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) settings. Dedicated to defining and improving quality, we advance our mission through timely professional development, evidence-based clinical guidance, and tireless advocacy on behalf of members, patients, families, and staff. Visit www.paltc.org for more information.