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Physical Activity During Hospitalization and Hospital-Associated Disability
Sponsor: Hvidovre University Hospital
Summary
This study examines physical activity during and after hospitalization in acutely hospitalized older adults and its association with hospital-associated disability (HAD). Older adults have low levels of physical activity during acute hospitalization, which is associated with an increased risk of HAD. HAD is a decline in the ability to perform activities of daily living that occurs in relation to hospitalization and cannot be explained by the acute illness alone. HAD affects up to 30% of acutely hospitalized older adults and is associated with adverse outcomes, including an increased risk of discharge to a nursing home, readmission, and mortality. Furthermore, patients who develop HAD are at risk of not regaining their pre-admission functional level and experiencing persistent functional decline after discharge. Physical activity and exercise are recommended as strategies to prevent HAD. However, many acutely hospitalized older adults have limited capacity or motivation to engage in structured exercise. It therefore remains unclear how much physical activity during hospitalization is sufficient to reduce the risk of HAD and which types of physical activity patients are able and prefer to perform. The study will also examine patients' ability and preferences for different types of physical activity during hospitalization and explore their motivation, barriers, and preferences for physical activity after discharge. The results may help identify clinically relevant levels of physical activity during hospitalization and contribute to more patient-centered approaches to supporting physical activity and preventing functional decline during and after hospitalization.
Official title: Physical Activity as Prevention of Hospital-Associated Disability in Acutely Hospitalized Older Adults - How Much is Enough and What do the Patients Prefer?
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
65 Years - Any
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
170
Start Date
2026-09
Completion Date
2029-05
Last Updated
2026-09-21
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Physical Activity During and After Hospitalization
Participants will receive standard care throughout hospitalization. In addition to standard care, participants will take part in a single supervised assessment of their ability and preferences for different types of physical activity. The assessment includes hallway walking (200 steps, with walking aids or assistance if needed) and resistance exercise consisting of three sets of 8-12 repetition maximum sit-to-stands. Participants will also be asked about their preference for group-based functional training and about their motivation and barriers related to physical activity. Physical activity will be objectively measured using SENS motion® sensor technology continuously during hospitalization and for seven consecutive days prior to the 8-week follow-up after discharge. Self-reported mobility during hospitalization will also be assessed. After discharge, participants' experiences, motivation, barriers, and preferences related to physical activity and rehabilitation will be explored th
Locations (1)
Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre
Hvidovre, Denmark