RESUMEN
Background and Objectives: Exercise may reverse functional decline in hospitalized older adults, but the optimal duration is unclear. This study examined the potential relationship between in-hospital multicomponent exercise program duration and changes in physical function, cognition, and muscle function to maximize exercise-related health benefits in acutely hospitalized older patients. Research Design and Methods: This secondary analysis of a multicenter randomized controlled trial examined the relationship between the duration of an in-hospital multicomponent exercise program and changes in physical function, cognition, and muscle strength in 570 acutely hospitalized older adults. Participants completed 3, 4, or 5-7 consecutive days of exercise based on the progression of their acute medical illness. The acute clinical condition of the older patients was similar across the study groups (i.e., 3/4/5-7 days) at admission. Outcomes included the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) for functional capacity, Gait Velocity Test for gait speed, handgrip for muscle strength, and cognitive tests. Results: Of the 570 patients included in the analysis, 298 were women (52.3%), and the mean (SD) age was 87.3 (4.8) years. Exercise groups increased SPPB scores compared with controls, with gains of 1.09 points after three days, 1.97 points after four days, and 2.02 points after 5-7 days (pâ <â .001). The 4-day program showed the most significant benefit for functional capacity. Gait velocity increased by 0.11 m/s after 4 and 5-7 days (pâ =â .032). Similar dose-response relationships were seen for handgrip strength and cognition, with 5-7 days showing more significant gains than three days (pâ <â .05). Discussion and Implications: Multicomponent exercise programs enhance physical and cognitive function in hospitalized older adults, regardless of exercise dosage. A 4-day program significantly boosts functional capacity, although 5-7 days improves handgrip strength and cognition, highlighting the importance of exercise dosage in countering functional decline. Implementing evidence-based inpatient exercise prescriptions can help reverse muscle weakness and improve cognitive and physical function.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT04600453.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of a tailored exercise intervention in acutely hospitalized elderly diabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This is an ancillary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT). A total of 103 acutely hospitalized elderly adults (mean age ~87 years) with type II diabetes were randomized to an intervention (exercise, n = 54) or control group (usual care, n = 49). The primary endpoint was change in functional status from baseline to hospital discharge as assessed with the Barthel Index and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Secondary endpoints comprised cognitive function and mood status, quality of life (QoL), incidence of delirium, and handgrip strength. Exercise-related side effects, length of hospital stay, and incidence of falls during hospitalization were also assessed, as well as transfer to nursing homes, hospital readmission, and mortality during a 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: The median length of stay was 8 days (interquartile range, 4) for both groups. The intervention was safe and provided significant benefits over usual care on SPPB (2.7 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8, 3.5]) and Barthel Index (8.5 [95% CI: 3.9, 13.1]), as well as on other secondary endpoints such as cognitive status, depression, QoL, and handgrip strength (all P < 0.05). No significant between-group differences were found for the remainder of secondary endpoints. CONCLUSIONS: An in-hospital individualized multicomponent exercise intervention was safe and effective for the prevention of functional and cognitive decline in acutely hospitalized elderly diabetic patients, although it had no influence on other endpoints assessed during hospitalization or at the 3-month follow-up after discharge.