Background: Physical activity (PA) could countered iatrogenic functional decline during hospitalization. However, PA is poorly integrated into usual care. Thus, we aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability and effects of implementing a systematic, prescribed, specific and unsupervised daily adapted PA training (MATCH) in older hospitalized patients and more specifically fallers.
Methods: Of 37 eligible patients hospitalized (>65yrs) in geriatric unit, 26 consented to participate and were randomized into two groups. MATCH (n=13) or Control (n=13). MATCH participants received one of the five PA programs (3 exercises; 3 times/day) according to the mobility score obtained using a decisional tree. Feasibility was assessed through adherence, prescription and feedback rates and acceptability using System Usability & Likert scales. Physical performance (balance, gait and walking parameters, muscle strength, muscular capacity) was assessed at admission and discharge. Length of stay and rehabilitation care were also recorded.
Results: Intervention adherence was 83.3%. Participants trained in average twice per day. All participants were enjoyed and 80% satisfied. MATCH implementation occurred within three days. Physician feedback was provided in 90% of cases. Ninety percent of healthcare professionals found MATCH to be adequate. MATCH-group improved more for the sit-to-stand test than controls. During hospitalization, only MATCH-fallers increased their physical performance. MATCH seems to reduce the length of stay and rehabilitation treatment during hospitalization.
Conclusion: As MATCH seems feasible, acceptable, safe (no falls occurred even if unsupervised) and cost-effective, it should be integrated into usual care. Further studies implementing MATCH are needed to confirm our promising results.