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. 2023 Sep 26;33(3):11780.
doi: 10.4081/ejtm.2023.11780.

Effects of the Full-Body in-Bed Gym program on quality of life, pain and risk of sarcopenia in elderly sedentary individuals: preliminary positive results of a Padua prospective observational study

Maria Chiara Maccarone  1 , Allegra Caregnato  2 , Gianluca Regazzo  3 , Alessandra Carriero  4 , Giacomo Casellato  5 , Claudia Finamoni  6 , Rossella Jirillo  7 , Olena Laskova  8 , Elena Marigo  9 , Daniela Yolanda Sánchez  10 , Irene Seno  11 , Chiara Venturin  12 , Hillary Veronese  13 , Barbara Ravara  14 , Walter Giurati  15 , Ugo Carraro  16 , Stefano Masiero  17
Affiliations

Effects of the Full-Body in-Bed Gym program on quality of life, pain and risk of sarcopenia in elderly sedentary individuals: preliminary positive results of a Padua prospective observational study

Maria Chiara Maccarone et al. Eur J Transl Myol. .

Abstract

Age-related muscle loss poses a significant health concern in an aging population. This study aimed to assess the impact of a home Full-Body in-Bed Gym protocol on quality of life, pain and risk of sarcopenia in elderly subjects. A total of 22 subjects with a median age of 71.90 years were included in the study. Patients participating in the Full-Body in-Bed Gym program, with a frequency of three times a week for two months, demonstrated a significant enhancement in their quality of life, as indicated by the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) Mental Component Summary (p = 0.04), and an improvement in pain levels (p = 0.03). Although not statistically significant, there was also an improvement in sarcopenia risk. Patients were given the freedom to decide whether to continue treatment after the evaluation of outcomes. Patient compliance with the exercise protocol over six months indicated its feasibility and sustainability, even in the long term. These findings suggest that the Full-Body in-Bed Gym protocol may play a valuable role in mitigating age-related muscle loss, emphasizing the importance of further investigation into such rehabilitation and prevention strategies.

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Conflict of interest statement

We confirm that we have read the Journal’s position on issues involved in ethical publication and affirm that this report is consistent with those guidelines.

The challenges posed by immobility among elderly individuals, often due to advanced age or concurrent medical conditions, have significant implications for their overall health and independence. This lack of physical activity not only restricts their autonomy but also increases the risk of extended hospitalization and associated complications., The consequences of immobility encompass a range of issues including neuromuscular weakening, functional limitations, thromboembolism, and substantial healthcare costs., Consequently, the management of all these progressive muscle-related impairments demands continuous attention. While pharmaceutical interventions remain a consideration, the potential of physical exercise regimens stands as a promising option.,, Community-based physical activity initiatives, employing multifaceted physical activity strategies, have demonstrated significant enhancements in physical function, addressing key factors associated with disability risk in older individuals. However, frequently encountered obstacles in the adoption and engagement of community-based exercise initiatives encompass expenses associated with program participation, accessibility and transportation challenges, time constraints, psychological barriers stemming from age-related exercise stigmas, and a shortage of specialized guidance. Therefore, educating individuals about being engaged in home-based physical exercises, both during and post-hospitalization, could represent a practical and cost-effective alternative.

By tailoring a series of 10 easy-to-perform exercises, lasting 15 to 30 minutes, that can be executed while lying in bed, the home “Full-Body in-Bed Gym” aims to provide a feasible and sustainable solution to mitigate the consequences of immobility and enhance the physical well-being of sedentary individuals, thereby improving their overall quality of life.,, This approach extends the principles of established in-bed cardio-respiratory rehabilitation techniques to engage and enhance muscles throughout the body., The proposed exercises contribute to improving cardiac, respiratory, and vascular function, as well as strengthening the muscles of the limbs and trunk, possibly contributing to a delay in the aging process., Previous experiences, including those gained during the pandemic, have shown that a convenient and time-efficient exercise protocol can benefit sedentary individuals by increasing function and improving quality of life.,

Nevertheless, so far individual cases only have been assessed, and a comprehensive study validating the benefits of this approach within a real patient cohort has never been conducted. Therefore, this study aims to comprehensively investigate the impact and effectiveness of a short daily sequence of 10 home Full-Body in-Bed Gym exercises on pain, risk of sarcopenia, and quality of life in a real-life cohort of elderly sedentary individuals.

Figures

Fig 1.
Fig 1.
One of the ten exercise shown as example of the home Full-Body in-Bed Gym protocol.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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