The Effects Of Exercise Training To Frailty Patient During Post-acute Care Hospitalization

Abstract

In Taiwan, frailty patient can receive post-acute rehabilitative care in hospital after they leave acute care hospital. The post-acute care program is proposed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan for functional recovery of the frailty patient. The post-acute care program including strengthening, flexibility, cardiopulmonary, and balance exercise. PURPOSE: To evaluate the functional recovery of the frailty patient in in Taiwan with a two-weeks of regular exercise training. METHODS: Twelve frailty elderly (Age: 83.25±5.5 years of age) just leave acute medical care were included in this study. The patient must have one of the underlying diseases include dementia, chronic kidney disease, parkinsonism, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. The therapeutic interventions were regular exercise training including strengthening, flexibility, cardiopulmonary, and balance exercise for two weeks. Before and after intervention, Functional outcome were evaluated. Data collection from multiple variables was conducted using questionnaire and examination including Barthel index, IADL, Clinical Frailty scale, Confusion Assessment Method, and Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form. RESULTS: The result shows significant improvement in Barthel index, Clinical Frailty scale, and Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (p < .05). Among other tests, there is no significant difference. CONCLUSION: Two-week exercise training program can improve functional outcome of frailty patient during post-acute care.