Hospitalization Effects on Physical Performance and Muscle Strength in Hospitalized Elderly Subjects

Abstract

Background: Hospitalization is a stressful event, potentially dangerous for older people. In fact, it worsens and accelerates muscle mass loss associated with bed rest, increasing the risk of loss of autonomy, rehospitalization and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate in an acute care setting handgrip and physical performance in patients at hospital admission and discharge, and detect changes related to hospitalization. Methods: Between June 2011 and January 2012 we were recruited 355 patients of which about 255 it was possible to perform at least Handgrip both at admission and at discharge. Of these, 38.8% were female. Handgrip strength and physical performance by using the short physical performance battery (SPPB) were assessed at admission and before the discharge. In all subjects Barthel index and mini nutritional assessment (MNA) were also evaluated. Results: A significant worsening in walking speed, chair stands test and handgrip strength performance was observed. On the contrary the study population showed an improvement in the Barthel index. No significant differences between males and females in performance and muscle strength loss were observed. The chair stand test performance worsens further in malnourished patients. Conclusion: our data suggests that during hospitalization elderly patients experience a loss of performance and muscle strength, with no differences between males and females. Subjects with score indicative of malnutrition or at risk for malnutrition presented a chair stand test performance worsening significantly greater than subjects with normal nutritional status.