Influence of intra-hospital exercise program in oldest old in functional capacity and ADLs

Abstract

To assess the potential beneficial effects of regular physical activity in oldest old people, included hospitalized ones, is of public health and clinical relevance. The negative effect of hospitalization on functional outcomes in population-based [1] and in-hospital cohort studies is well established [2]. This impairment occurs even with short hospital stays [3,4]. Loss of strength with bed rest can be 5% per day or more [5]. Thus, it is not surprising that even short hospital stays might result in a decrease in functional capacity, including mainly the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs).