Technology assisted physical activity among hospitalised medical patients a cluster randomised clinical trial

Abstract

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Bispebjeg University Hospital (public hospital) Danish Physiotherapy Foundation. Background To investigate whether patients, with independent basic mobility, admitted to medical wards, by simple feedback on physical activity (the integration of accelerometer measurements and tablet feedback) can be nudged to increase the level of activity during hospitalization. The aim is to investigate if medical patients with intact basic mobility, can increase the level of physical activity by simple feedback from a new technology solution. Methods Design: A cluster randomised clinical trial. Primary outcome: time spend out of bed (min/day). Power calculation: 320 patients. All included patients had their physical activity level measured. The intervention group received feedback by an app on a tablet. The patients participated for a minimum of 24 hours and up to 7 days. Inclusion of patients from the Department of Carardiology, Geriatric Department and Department of Pulmonary and Infectious disease. Primary efficacy measure: Time out of bed (min). Results 354 patients were included. Difference between those who received feedback (intervention) and those without feedback (control) was 23.6 min/day more out of bed (95%CI 13.75 – 33.50); P = <.0001. Conclusion Patients admitted to medical wards, with independent basic mobility, were on average 23.6 minutes more physically active per day (21%) when they received feedback about their physical activity. Implication This technological solution with feedback can be a tool to nudge the patients with independent basic mobility to stay physically active during hospitalization. The solution may also allocate resources for those patients who have a greater need for help and support for mobilization.