Using Daily Step Counts and ActivPAL Device to Assess Frailty in Hospitalized Older Adults Aged 65 and Over

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to establish daily step counts as a simple and low-cost way to measure frailty and muscle loss in hospitalized older adults. The study focuses on frail elderly patients admitted to an acute care unit to better understand their physical activity and health status. Participants will wear a special device called ActivPAL on their dominant thigh, which tracks their movements such as lying, sitting, standing, and stepping. At enrollment, various measurements will be taken, including blood pressure, heart rate, weight, height, muscle ultrasound, grip strength, walking speed, body composition, and skinfold thickness. The ActivPAL device will be removed at discharge. The total time for study procedures ranges from 2 to 3 hours at enrollment and about 10 minutes at discharge. Researchers will collect demographic and medical information, monitor physical activity with the device, and perform several physical tests to assess frailty. The main outcome measured is total standing time over up to two weeks, with daily step counts as a secondary outcome. Participants health and activity will be closely monitored during their hospital stay.

Assessing a New Tool to Assess Frailty in Frail Hospitalized Elderly