Mobility-A Bridge to Sense of Coherence in Everyday Life: Older Patients' Experiences of Participation in an Exercise Program During the First 3 Weeks After Hip Fracture Surgery.

Jonas Debesay,Astrid Bergland,Irene Vestøl

doi:10.1177/10497323211008848

Jonas Debesay, Astrid Bergland + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1177/10497323211008848

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Abstract

Our aim with this article was to explore the experiences of older people who participated in the evidence-based High-Intensity Functional Exercise (HIFE) Program during the first 3 weeks of rehabilitation after hip fracture surgery. Nineteen older people participated in the study. Data were analyzed using systematic text condensation. One overarching theme “Exercise is the key for regaining mobility and a sense of coherence (SOC) in everyday life” emerged from the analysis in addition to these five themes: (a) understanding the existential importance of mobility; (b) maintaining a positive self-image by regaining mobility; (c) regaining one’s old life and independence in everyday living; (d) maintaining interpersonal relationships through mobility; and (e) creating positive emotions by being able to move. The findings highlight the importance of exercise as a strategy for regaining mobility, illustrated by the essential role it played in the participants’ lives after suffering a hip fracture.

Highlights

Hip fractures represent a major problem in the health care service with a mortality rate of 5% to 10% during the first month and 20% to 30% during the first year after the fracture (Sogaard et al, 2016)
Our aim with this article was to explore the experiences of older people who had participated in the evidencebased High-Intensity Functional Exercise (HIFE) Program during the first three weeks of rehabilitation after hip fracture surgery
Based on the results from the analysis, the patients’ descriptions of their experiences of mobility during the exercise program were grouped into categories under one overarching theme: “Exercise is key to regaining mobility and a sense of coherence (SOC) in everyday life.”

Summary

Introduction

Hip fractures represent a major problem in the health care service with a mortality rate of 5% to 10% during the first month and 20% to 30% during the first year after the fracture (Sogaard et al, 2016). A meta-analysis of 13 studies highlighted that exercise and physical activity can be effective in improving the mental wellbeing of individuals aged 65 or older (Windle et al, 2010). A recent meta-analysis reported a minor improvement in overall mobility by following a structured exercise intervention after a hip fracture (Diong et al, 2016). These meta-analyses include studies involving exercise interventions up to 1 year after a fracture (Diong et al, 2016; Handoll et al, 2011). Previous qualitative studies on exercise interventions have shown that older adults encounter challenges when recovering from hip fractures (Forsberg et al, 2014; Griffiths et al, 2015; Young et al, 2009)

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