Feasibility of Post‐Hospitalization Interventions to Improve Physical Function in Older Adults

Abstract

Acute hospitalization can have catastrophic consequences for physical function and independence in older adults. The inability to regain function following a hospital stay is a strong predictor of re‐hospitalization and mortality. We have shown that nutritional interventions, exercise, and anabolic steroids independently increase muscle size and function, thus representing promising therapeutic strategies.The goal of this pilot study was to test the feasibility of interventions (placebo supplement (P), nutrition supplement (N, whey protein), progressive in‐home exercise + placebo (E+P), exercise + nutrition (E+N), or single testosterone injection (T)) to improve physical function in older adults following acute hospitalization.Subjects (>65 years) were recruited during hospitalization at UTMB Acute Care for Elders unit. Demographics and short physical performance battery (SPPB) were collected at hospital discharge and 1‐month post discharge.Mean baseline SPPB score was 6.6. At 1‐mo testing, interventions tended to enhance improvement in raw SPPB score (P: 1.3, N: 3.3, E+P: 2.2, E+N: 3.2, T: 2.3) and percent of subjects with a clinically meaningful improvement (蠅1 point) (P: 50%, N: 100%, E+P: 80%, E+N: 80%, T: 88%). Gait speed was low in all groups at baseline (0.60‐ 0.71 m/s). Interventions tended to augment gait speed at 1‐mo (P: 25%, N: 50%, E+P: 45%, E+N: 44%, T: 21%).These preliminary data (n=4‐8), from an ongoing clinical trial, indicate that interventions after acute hospitalization are feasible and can improve physical function in older adults.Dairy Research Institute (1229) and UTMB Claude D. Pepper OAIC (5P30‐ AG024832).