Preventing Functional Decline in Older Hospitalized Patients Comparing Comprehensive and Simple Exercise Programs A Randomized Controlled Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether multicomponent exercise programs can help improve physical function in older adults aged 75 years and above who are hospitalized. The study compares the effects of a simple exercise program focused on walking and rising from a chair, a more comprehensive exercise program including mobility and strengthening exercises, and usual care. This Phase 3 randomized controlled trial enrolls participants consecutively from geriatric medical wards in hospitals in Stockholm, Sweden, aiming to prevent functional decline during and after hospitalization. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: the simple exercise program, the comprehensive exercise program, or usual care. The simple program involves up to four daily sessions lasting 20-30 minutes in total, conducted on weekdays during the hospital stay (approximately one week), with encouragement to continue exercises at home after discharge. The comprehensive program includes two daily 20-minute sessions, also on weekdays during hospitalization. Both exercise interventions are supervised during the hospital stay. Throughout the study, assessments are made at hospital admission, discharge, and three months after discharge. Researchers evaluate physical function, daily living activities, quality of life, muscle health, and fall occurrences. They also track hospital readmissions and mortality for up to one year after discharge. The primary outcomes focus on changes in physical function from admission to discharge and from admission to three months post-discharge, helping to understand the impact of these exercise programs on recovery and long-term health.

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