The Preventing Functional Decline in Acutely Hospitalized Older Patients (PREV_FUNC) Study Comparing Exercise Programs and Usual Care

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how different types of exercise programs impact physical function in older adults hospitalized in geriatric medical wards. This study compares a comprehensive multicomponent exercise program, a simpler program with basic exercises, and usual care to see their effects on physical function, daily activities, quality of life, muscle loss, falls, readmissions, and mortality. Participants are aged 75 years and older, and assessments occur at admission, discharge, and three months post-discharge. The trial includes three groups: one group follows a simple exercise program with up to four daily sessions involving sit-to-stand exercises and walking; another group participates in a comprehensive program with two daily supervised sessions focusing on resistance, balance, gait, and functional exercises; and a control group receives usual care, which may include rehabilitation if needed. Exercises are performed on weekdays during the hospital stay, lasting about one week, with encouragement to continue post-discharge. Participants undergo evaluations at hospital admission, discharge, and three months after leaving the hospital. These include tests of physical function, daily living activities, health-related quality of life, sarcopenia (muscle loss), and recording of falls. Researchers also track hospital readmissions and mortality for up to one year after discharge. The study uses double-blind randomization to assign participants, aiming to provide detailed data on how exercise interventions can prevent functional decline in older hospitalized adults.

The Preventing Functional Decline in Acutely Hospitalized Older Patients (PREV_FUNC) Study