Nutrition Support Team Intervention Improves Activities of Daily Living in Older Patients Undergoing In-Patient Rehabilitation in Japan: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe effect of nutrition support on activities of daily living (ADL) in individuals aged ≥75 years requiring rehabilitation is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of nutrition support on ADL improvement in older patients undergoing in-patient rehabilitation in Japan. This retrospective cohort study was performed in 175 patients aged ≥75 years. The nutrition support team (NST) intervened in 85 cases. ADL was evaluated by the functional independence measure (FIM). We analyzed the effects of NST intervention on FIM efficiency. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that NST intervention (standard partial regression coefficient, β = 0.164; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.003–0.229; P = 0.044), energy intake at admission (β = 0.179; 95% CI, 0.000–0.016; P = 0.043), body mass index (BMI) at admission (β = 0.227; 95% CI, 0.005–0.046; P = 0.014), and cerebrovascular disease (β = −0.238; 95% CI, −0.298 to −0.063; P = 0.003) were independently associated with FIM efficiency. NST intervention, energy intake, and BMI on admission may affect ADL improvement in older patients undergoing in-patient rehabilitation.