Kinesiologist-delivered mobilization to mitigate inpatient frailty: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Hospitalized older adults spend excessive amounts of time in sedentary postures (sitting/lying while awake). Mobilizing patients may prevent physical deconditioning, exacerbated frailty levels, and worsened hospital outcomes. The purpose of this study will be to test the hypothesis that compared to usual care, patients who receive multiple kinesiologist visits each day will, 1) increase their step counts and upright time, 2) decrease their frailty levels from admission to discharge, and 3) have shorter lengths of stays and decreased readmission rates.

Methods: Sixty middle-aged-to-older adult patients (≥50 years) from a general/internal medicine unit will be randomized into a usual care control (visit from the kinesiologist once/day) or intervention group (multiple visits from the kinesiologist/day). Kinesiologist visits will include individualized patient mobilization. All participants will be equipped with three waterproofed activPAL inclinometers positioned on their thigh, torso, and shin for 24-h/day throughout hospitalization to measure physical activity (step counts, physical activity intensity), upright postures, and detailed sedentary postures (bent-legged sitting, straight-legged sitting, lying). Frailty will be assessed via a validated 65-item index and the Clinical Frailty Scale two weeks before admission (retrospectively), at admission, and at discharge. Secondary measures will include length of stay and hospital re-admissions. Mixed models for repeated measures will determine whether daily activity differed between groups, changed throughout hospital stay, and effected frailty levels.

Discussion: This randomized controlled trial will aim to refine mobilization strategies and individualize interventions for the prevention of decline in mobility and worsening frailty among hospitalized patients.

Trial registration: The protocol has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT06802289).

Keywords: Exercise professional; Hospitalization; Objectively measured habitual activity; Physical activity; Sedentary time.