Exercise Boosts Functional Recovery in Hospitalized Older Adults, Study Finds

A new study reveals that enhancing muscle power through short-term exercise programs significantly improves mobility and strength in hospitalized elderly patients (aged 75+), offering a vital strategy to counter frailty and immobility.

Key Points:

• Muscle Power Gains: The study found that patients who improved in muscle power, particularly at 30% and 60% of their maximum capacity, showed marked gains in mobility and strength, especially in walking speed and functional independence.
• Exercise Program: The intervention involved a multicomponent @VIVIFRAIL exercise regimen, including power and resistance training, administered over 3-6 days during hospitalization.
• Clinically Meaningful Results: The study identified the minimum muscle power and strength increases needed to achieve noticeable improvements in daily functioning, highlighting a clear threshold for physical recovery.

Target Audience Implications:

This study is crucial for caregivers, healthcare providers, and older adults. It demonstrates that even brief exercise interventions can significantly improve mobility and independence during hospitalization.

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Gerontological Society of America (GSA) National Council on Aging National Institute on Aging (NIA) Navarrabiomed - Centro de Investigación Biomédica UPNA- Public University of Navarre NUP