Pilot study: effectiveness of a training program about autonomy in elderly patients hospitalized after an acute episode

Abstract

Patients hospitalized in rehabilitation after an acute episode is at high risk of functional impairment and require active measures to prevent loss of autonomy. Resistance training has been proved beneficial to improve physical performances of aged subjects in the community. However, the feasibility and effects of training programs has never been assessed among hospitalized patients after an acute medical episode. In this pilot study, we aimed to evaluate a personalized training program of adapted physical education teacher combining muscular reinforcement and endurance training among patients over 65 year-old hospitalized in a geriatric rehabilitation care setting. The principal outcome considered was the evolution of the SPPB (short physical performance battery) score from baseline, after the 3-week period of training. Thirty-eight patients (mean age> 80 years) participated to the program. The mean SPPB score at baseline was 6.37 points (standard deviation: 2.17). After the intervention, the SPPB showed a significant improvement of 2.50 points, to reach 8.87 points (standard deviation: ±1.60; p=0.001). These results confirm the feasibility of resistance-training programs among hospitalized elderly. The observed improvements in terms of physic al performances also appear promising with regard to the prevention of loss of autonomy during rehabilitation after acute medical episodes.

Keywords: SPPB; elderly; muscular mass; rehabilitation; resistance training.