Effect of physiotherapy orientation on hospitalized elderly inactivity time: a controlled and randomized trial

Abstract

Introduction: The level of physical activity decreases progressively with age. Elderly people who are physically active have lower rates of morbidity and mortality when compared to inactive elderly. Hospitalization leads to long periods of bed rest and physical inactivity, with consequent muscle atrophy, generalized weakness, decreased independence, and functionality. Therefore, preventing inactivity, loss of muscle strength and worsening functional performance during hospitalization may be a way to prevent loss of independence. And while the mobilization of hospitalized patients is increasingly being promoted as an important part of recovery, many patients still spend much of their hospitalization in bed. Objectives: To evaluate the impact of an orientation program on the importance of remaining active during hospitalization in relation to the level of physical activity and functionality of elderly patients and to identify the main barriers that impede the performance of physical activities by the elderly in a hospital environment . Methods: Controlled and randomized trial (control group and intervention), which will include elderly patients admitted to the Respiratory Tract Diseases and Medical Clinic of the Institute of Medical Assistance to the State Public Servant (IAMSPE), in the city of São Paulo. The intervention group will receive verbal guidance and a primer developed by the authors on the deleterious effects of hospitalization and the importance of staying active during hospital admission. All will be evaluated through accelerometry to identify the level of physical activity during hospitalization. The functionality will be evaluated through the DEMMI scale and the main barriers to stay active during hospitalization by applying a questionnaire also developed by the authors. The days of hospitalization and the clinical complications presented by the patients during the stay in the hospital will be counted. The comparison between the intervention and control groups, in the physical activity and functional level outcomes, will be done by t-test, the length of hospitalization by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the incidence of complications by the chi-square test. (AU)