Introduction: Since 2013, our hospital has been working on the DOPPO project, which aims to provide ambulatory discharge for hospitalized frail elderly persons. Until now, 176 patients have taken part in this project. A close correlation between the results of the short physical performance battery (SPPB) and six-minute walking distance (6MWD) at the time of discharge has been confirmed. However, the relationship between the results of these tests and 1-year prognosis is not clear. Thus, we seek to determine a comprehensive factor to predict 1-year prognosis. Patients and Methods: We investigated 120 frail elderly people (male:female ratio, 55:65; average age, 82 years), including heart failure patients, who were eligible for ambulatory discharge. Physical function (SPPB, 10-m walking speed, 6MWD etc) was tested before and after undergoing DOPPO rehabilitation. After one year, the patients were reexamined. Results: Out of 77 patients, we could interview 71. We paid special attention to 37 patients who had performed the 6MWT at discharge. We observed a significant difference in the 1-year prognosis of patients who walked a shorter distance (<200 m) and those who walked a longer distance (>200m). The 1-year survival rates for the shorter and longer distance groups were 75.0% and 96.6%, respectively (P < .05). Conclusion: The 6MWT seems to be a strong predictor of a patient's 1-year prognosis upon discharge after undergoing DOPPO rehabilitation. Introduction: Since 2013, our hospital has been working on the DOPPO project, which aims to provide ambulatory discharge for hospitalized frail elderly persons. Until now, 176 patients have taken part in this project. A close correlation between the results of the short physical performance battery (SPPB) and six-minute walking distance (6MWD) at the time of discharge has been confirmed. However, the relationship between the results of these tests and 1-year prognosis is not clear. Thus, we seek to determine a comprehensive factor to predict 1-year prognosis. Patients and Methods: We investigated 120 frail elderly people (male:female ratio, 55:65; average age, 82 years), including heart failure patients, who were eligible for ambulatory discharge. Physical function (SPPB, 10-m walking speed, 6MWD etc) was tested before and after undergoing DOPPO rehabilitation. After one year, the patients were reexamined. Results: Out of 77 patients, we could interview 71. We paid special attention to 37 patients who had performed the 6MWT at discharge. We observed a significant difference in the 1-year prognosis of patients who walked a shorter distance (<200 m) and those who walked a longer distance (>200m). The 1-year survival rates for the shorter and longer distance groups were 75.0% and 96.6%, respectively (P < .05). Conclusion: The 6MWT seems to be a strong predictor of a patient's 1-year prognosis upon discharge after undergoing DOPPO rehabilitation.
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