Hospital-associated Deconditioning Research Articles

New horizons in hospital-associated deconditioning: a global condition of body and mind.

Hospital-associated deconditioning is a broad term, which refers non-specifically to declines in any function of the body secondary to hospitalisation. Older people, particularly those living with frailty, are known to be at greatest risk. It has historically been most commonly used as a term to describe declines in muscle mass and function (i.e. acute sarcopenia). However, declines in physical function do not occur in isolation, and it is recognised that cognitive deconditioning (defined by delayed mental processing as part of a spectrum with fulminant delirium at one end) is commonly encountered by patients in hospital. Whilst the term 'deconditioning' is descriptive, it perhaps leads to under-emphasis on the inherent organ dysfunction that is associated, and also implies some ease of reversibility. Whilst deconditioning may be reversible with early intervention strategies, the long-term effects can be devastating. In this article, we summarise the most recent research on this topic including new promising interventions and describe our recommendations for implementation of tools such as the Frailty Care Bundle.

Baseline Nutritional Status and Rehabilitation Progress in Individuals Requiring Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Retrospective Cohort Study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationships between baseline nutritional status, medical events (MEs), and rehabilitation outcomes in individuals undergoing inpatient rehabilitation (IR). DesignA retrospective single center cohort study. SettingAn IR ward. ParticipantsThis study included 409 patients (mean age, 80 years; men, 170 [42%]) undergoing IR for hospital-associated deconditioning, neurologic disorders, or musculoskeletal diseases. Participants were grouped according to the Controlling Nutritional Status score at admission: normal nutrition (NN): 0 to 1, mild malnutrition (MM): 2 to 4, and moderate/severe malnutrition (M/SM): 5 to 12. InterventionsNone. Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcomes included MEs leading to death or acute illness requiring transfer to other hospitals for specialized treatments. The secondary outcomes were the rehabilitation efficiency scores (changes in Functional Independence Measure [FIM] score divided by length of stay) for motor function (FIM-M) and cognitive function (FIM-C). ResultsAmong the 409 participants, 300 (73%) were malnourished at admission. The adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for MEs in the MM and M/SM groups relative to the NN group were 1.48 (0.67-3.27) and 0.98 (0.34-2.81), respectively. No significant differences were observed among the 3 groups in FIM-M efficiency scores (mean ± SD, NN: 0.49±0.51 vs MM: 0.41±0.57 vs M/SM: 0.44±1.06, P=.7) or FIM-C efficiency scores (0.04±0.06 vs 0.04±0.06 vs 0.08±0.4, P=0.1). Analysis of covariance showed no significant association between MM or M/SM group and FIM-M efficiency score (beta coefficient = -0.038, P=.6; beta coefficient = 0.15, P=.1, respectively) or FIM-C efficiency score (beta coefficient = 0.004, P=.8; beta coefficient = 0.047, P=.08, respectively). ConclusionNo significant associations were observed between the baseline nutritional status and MEs, FIM-M efficiency score, or FIM-C efficiency score in individuals undergoing IR.

Predictors of Hospital Readmission, Institutionalization, and Mortality in Geriatric Rehabilitation Following Hospitalization According to Admission Reason.

Older adults following an inpatient geriatric rehabilitation (GR) program commonly experience adverse health outcomes such as hospital readmission, institutionalization, and mortality. Although several studies have explored factors related to these outcomes, the influence of admission reason on the predictive factors of adverse health outcomes in the rehabilitation process remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to identify predictive factors for adverse health outcomes in inpatients attending GR according to their admission reason. This retrospective study included patients with orthogeriatric (OG) conditions and patients with hospital-associated deconditioning (HAD) admitted to GR after an acute hospitalization between 2016 and 2020. Patients were evaluated by a comprehensive geriatric assessment at admission, including sociodemographic data, social resources, clinical data, cognitive, functional and nutritional status, and physical performance measurements. Adverse health outcomes were collected (hospital readmission, institutionalization, and mortality). Univariate analyses and multivariate backward binary logistic regressions were used to determine predictive factors. In this study, 290 patients were admitted for OG conditions, and 122 patients were admitted due to HAD. In patients with OG conditions, lower Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) predicted institutionalization and mortality. Lower Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form predicted institutionalization, whereas lower Barthel Index and lower Tinetti-Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment scores were associated with higher mortality. In patients with HAD, higher age-adjusted comorbidity index predicted hospital readmission and mortality, and lower Short Physical Performance Battery scores predicted institutionalization and mortality. Finally, lower MMSE scores, worse values in Older Americans Resources and Services Scale and male gender were associated with a higher risk of institutionalization. Predictive factors for hospital readmission, institutionalization, and mortality in patients with OG conditions and HAD during GR were different. Some of those predictors, such as nutritional status and physical performance, are modifiable. Understanding predictive factors for adverse outcomes, and how these factors differ by admission diagnosis, improves our ability to identify patients most at risk. Early identification of these patients could assist with prevention efforts and lead to a reduction of negative outcomes.

Occupational therapy interventions to address hospital associated deconditioning among older people: A scoping review protocol

Background Hospital-acquired deconditioning (HAD) is recognised as a state of reduced physiological, psychological, and functional after an acute hospitalization. Older people, particularly those with physical and social complexities are at risk of hospital-associated deconditioning, which is associated with increased length of stay in hospital, institutionalization, mortality, and increased healthcare costs. Thus, identification of effective approaches for the assessment, management, and prevention of HAD are pertinent. Occupational therapy has a potential role to play in prevention and treatment of HAD among older people. This scoping review will identify and map existing occupational therapy interventions which address deconditioning among older people. Methods This scoping review will be conducted using the framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR), will be used to guide the reporting. A comprehensive search strategy using relevant key words and index terms will be developed and applied across Embase (OVID), Medline (OVID), CINHAL (EBSCO), PsychInfo (ProQuest), SCOPUS databases. This will be followed by search of the reference lists of selected sources and hand-search relevant data-hubs. The search will cover studies published in English from January 2014 to the present date. Titles and abstracts will be screened against inclusion criteria. Data will be extracted using a form developed for this review. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist (Hoffmann et al., 2014) will be applied to papers where specific interventions are reported. Key information on assessment and intervention practices will be categorised and classified in a narrative summary. Conclusion This scoping review will examine current practice internationally regarding the role of occupational therapy in prevention and treatment of HAD among older people.

Association of Baseline Skeletal Muscle Mass Index With Adverse Events and Rehabilitation Outcomes in Patients Admitted for Rehabilitation

ObjectiveTo assess the associations of baseline skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) with adverse events and rehabilitation outcomes in patients admitted for rehabilitation. DesignA retrospective cohort study. ParticipantsThe subjects were 409 patients (mean age, 79 years; men, 167 [41%]) undergoing rehabilitation because of neurologic disease, musculoskeletal disorders, or hospital-associated deconditioning. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the definition of sarcopenia by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia: those with low SMI (<7.0 kg/m2 in men and <5.7 kg/m2 in women) and those with high SMI (≥7.0 kg/m2 in men and ≥5.7 kg/m2 in women). InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcomes were adverse events including death and acute illness requiring transfer to other hospitals for specialized treatments. The secondary outcomes were rehabilitation outcomes including the efficiency scores (changes in functional independence measure [FIM] score divided by length of stay) of FIM for motor function (FIM-M) and FIM for cognitive function (FIM-C). ResultsOf the 409 patients, 299 (73%) had a low SMI. The adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of the low SMI group relative to the high SMI group for adverse events was 2.79 (1.06-7.34). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in FIM-M efficiency scores [mean ± SD, low SMI group: 0.4 (0.58) vs high SMI group: 0.47 (0.54), P=.3] and FIM-C efficiency scores [mean ± SD, 0.05 (0.14) vs 0.06 (0.2), P=.4]. Multiple linear regression models did not show significant associations between the low SMI group and FIM-M efficiency or FIM-C efficiency scores (β=0.064, P=.3; β=−0.05, P=.4, respectively). ConclusionLow baseline SMI was significantly associated with adverse events but not with rehabilitation outcomes in patients undergoing rehabilitation.

Anemia and Rehabilitation Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Convalescent Rehabilitation

ObjectiveAssessment of the association between anemia and recovery of physical disability in patients with functional impairment. DesignA retrospective cohort study. SettingA convalescent rehabilitation ward. ParticipantsThe subjects were patients undergoing convalescent rehabilitation due to neurologic disease, musculoskeletal disorders, or hospital-associated deconditioning. Patients were classified into 3 groups (no anemia; mild anemia [men: hemoglobin of 11.0-12.9 g/dL; women: hemoglobin of 11.0-11.9 g/dL]; and moderate/severe anemia [hemoglobin < 11.0 g/dL]) based on hemoglobin levels. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresThe study outcomes were functional independence measures for motor function (FIM-M) score at discharge, changes in the FIM-M score between hospital admission and discharge, length of stay, and FIM-M efficiency score (change in FIM-M score divided by length of stay). A linear regression model was constructed to explore the association of anemia with the FIM-M efficiency score. As a subgroup analysis, we constructed a linear regression model to explore the association of anemia with the FIM-M efficiency score in patients with or without stroke. ResultsOf 376 consecutive patients with a mean age of 80 years, 258 (69%) had mild or moderate/severe anemia. There were no significant differences between the 3 groups in the FIM-M score at discharge, changes in the FIM-M score, length of stay, and FIM-M efficiency score. A multiple linear regression model showed that the FIM-M efficiency score was not associated with anemia (mild anemia group: β=−0.02, P=.8; moderate/severe anemia group: β=−0.005, P=.9). In the subgroup analysis of patients with or without stroke, the multiple regression model also showed no significant association between anemia and FIM-M efficiency score in each group. ConclusionsAnemia on admission was common among patients in a convalescent rehabilitation ward but was not associated with improvement of FIM-M after rehabilitation.

Estimation of Functional Reserve in Patients with Hospital-Associated Deconditioning

Estimation of Functional Reserve in Patients with Hospital-Associated Deconditioning

Recognising, reducing and preventing deconditioning in hospitalised older people.

Deconditioning is caused by complex physiological changes occurring as a result of immobility, for example during or after a period of acute illness or injury and hospitalisation. It leads to functional decline and compounds or contributes to conditions such as frailty and sarcopenia. In the past, prolonged bed rest was considered therapeutic, but the need to reduce or avoid prolonged immobility is now widely recognised. Hospital-associated deconditioning can be reduced or prevented through mobilisation strategies such as those promoted by the #EndPJparalysis campaign. This article explains the importance of reducing or preventing hospital-associated deconditioning and nurses' role in this.

Use of testosterone replacement therapy in the rehabilitation of patients with intensive care unit-associated weakness and hospital-associated deconditioning: the Singapore General Hospital rehabilitation experience.

Rehabilitation medicine in a tertiary care hospital involves attending to many patients affected by intensive care unit (ICU)-associated weakness (ICU-AW) and hospital-associated deconditioning (HAD). These conditions contribute to poor long-term functional outcomes and increased mortality. We explored the role of short-term adjunctive androgen therapy in this group of patients in improving the rehabilitative outcomes. This was a retrospective analysis of five patients with either ICU-AW or HAD who were given testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or oxandrolone for a total of 2 weeks during the period from April to November 2020 was undertaken. During the 2-week trial period, the subjects underwent standard rehabilitation therapy. Grip strength was used as the primary outcome measure, and the mean improvement was 4.2 kg (+24.9%), which is encouraging in a 2-week timeframe. This was matched with good functional recovery in terms of distance ambulated and less assistance needed for ambulation. Sex hormone analysis was also done before initiation of TRT, and it showed that four out of five of the subjects were biochemically hypogonadal. None of the subjects dropped out or experienced any significant adverse events over the 2-week trial period. All the subjects except one improved to full independence at 3 months post-discharge. TRT has the potential to be used as a useful adjunct to standard rehabilitation in enhancing functional recovery in critically ill patients. A multidisciplinary approach would ensure that suitable patients benefit from optimal nutrition, optimal rehabilitation and synergistic testosterone therapy in a clinically sound and resource-efficient fashion.

Hospital-associated deconditioning: Not only physical, but also cognitive.

IntroductionHospital‐associated deconditioning (HAD) or post‐hospital syndrome is well recognized as reduced functional performance after an acute hospitalization. Recommendations for the management of HAD are still lacking, partly due to a poor understanding of the underlying processes. We aimed to review existing data on risk factors, pathophysiology, measurement tools, and potential interventions.Materials and methodsWe conducted a systematic review from bibliographical databases in English, Spanish and French with keywords such as ‘post‐hospitalization syndrome’ or ‘deconditioning’. We selected studies that included people aged 60 years or older. Three researchers independently selected articles and assessed their quality.ResultsFrom 4421 articles initially retrieved, we included 94 studies. Most were related to risk factors, trajectories and measures, and focused on the physical aspects of deconditioning. Risk factors for HAD included age, nutritional status, mobility, and pre‐admission functional status, but also cognitive impairment and depression. Regarding interventions, almost all studies were devoted to physical rehabilitation and environmental modifications. Only one study focused on cognitive stimulation.DiscussionIn the last decade, studies on HAD have mostly focused on the physical domain. However, neurological changes may also play a role in the pathophysiology of HAD. Beyond physical interventions, cognitive rehabilitation and neurological interventions should also be evaluated to improve deconditioning prevention and treatment in the hospital setting.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Coexistence of Malnutrition and Sarcopenia in Geriatric Rehabilitation.

Malnutrition and sarcopenia often coexist in rehabilitation patients, although they are often overlooked and undertreated in clinical practice. This cross-sectional study aimed to clarify the prevalence of the coexistence of malnutrition and sarcopenia (Co-MS) and its associated factors in convalescent rehabilitation wards in Japan. Consecutive patients aged ≥ 65 years in convalescent rehabilitation wards between November 2018 and October 2020 were included. Malnutrition and sarcopenia were determined by the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria and the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS 2019) criteria, respectively. Patients who presented both with malnutrition and sarcopenia were classified as Co-MS. Potentially associated factors included age, sex, days from onset to admission of rehabilitation wards, reason for admission, pre-morbid functional dependency, comorbidity, activities of daily living, swallowing ability, and oral function and hygiene. The prevalence of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and Co-MS was calculated. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to compute odds ratios (ORs) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) of possible associated factors for each condition. Overall, 601 patients were eligible for the analysis (median 80 years old, 355 female patients, 70% cerebrovascular disease). Co-MS, malnutrition, and sarcopenia were found in 23.5%, 29.0%, and 62.4% of the enrolled patients, respectively. After adjustment, onset–admission interval (OR = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.06), hospital-associated deconditioning (OR = 4.62; 95% CI = 1.13 to 18.8), and swallowing ability (Food Intake LEVEL Scale) (OR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.73 to 0.93) were identified as independent explanatory factors of Co-MS. In conclusion, Co-MS was prevalent in geriatric rehabilitation patients; thus, healthcare professionals should be aware of the associated factors to detect the geriatric rehabilitation patients who are at risk of both malnutrition and sarcopenia, and to provide appropriate treatments.

A qualitative study exploring the lived experiences of deconditioning in hospital in Ontario, Canada

BackgroundOlder adults, especially those with physical and social complexities are at risk of hospital-associated deconditioning. Hospital-associated deconditioning is linked to increased length of stay in hospital, stress, and readmission rates. To date, there is a paucity of research on the experiences and implications of deconditioning in hospital from different perspectives. Therefore, the objectives of this exploratory, descriptive qualitative study were to explore hospital-associated deconditioning from the views of different stakeholders and to develop an understanding of deconditioning from physical, social, and cognitive perspectives.MethodsBetween August 2018 and July 2019, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients 50 years or older, who had a hip fracture or delay in discharge, as well as caregivers, providers, and decision-makers who provided support or impacted care processes for these patients. Participants were recruited from one urban and one rural health region located in Ontario, Canada. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a constant comparison approach.ResultsA total of 80 individuals participated in this study. Participants described insufficient activities in hospital leading to boredom and mental and physical deconditioning. Patients were frustrated with experiencing deconditioning and their decline in function seemed to impact their sense of self and identity. Deconditioning had substantive impacts on patients’ ability to leave hospital to their next point of care. Providers and decision-makers understood the potential for deconditioning but felt constrained by factors beyond their control. Factors that appeared to impact deconditioning included the hospital’s built environment and social capital resources (e.g., family, roommates, volunteers, staff).ConclusionsParticipants described a substantial lack of physical, cognitive, and social activities, which led to deconditioning. Recommendations to address deconditioning include: (1) measuring physical/psychological function and well-being throughout hospitalization; (2) redesigning hospital environments (e.g., create social spaces); and (3) increasing access to rehabilitation during acute hospital stays, while patients wait for the next point-of-care.

Changes in muscle strength and physical function in older patients during and after hospitalisation: a prospective repeated-measures cohort study.

to investigate changes in knee-extension strength and physical function in older adults during and after acute hospital admission, and the contributions of illness severity, frailty and sedentary activity to changes in knee-extension strength. prospective repeated-measures cohort study on a sample of participants aged ≥75 recruited within 24hours of acute hospital admission. Knee-extension, grip strength and functional mobility (de Morton Mobility Index, DEMMI) were measured at recruitment, day 7 (or discharge if earlier), and at follow-up 4-6weeks later. During the first 7days, continuous measurement of physical activity and daily measurements of muscle strength were taken. Participants recalled the functional ability they had 2-weeks before admission and self-reported it at follow-up (Barthel Index, BI). sixty-five of 70 participants (median age 84years) had at least one repeated measure of muscle strength in hospital. Knee-extension strength declined during hospitalisation by 11% (P< 0.001), but did not change post-hospitalisation (P= 0.458). Grip strength did not change during hospitalisation (P= 0.665) or from discharge to follow-up (P= 0.508). General functional ability (BI) deteriorated between 2weeks before admission and follow-up (P< 0.001). Functional mobility (DEMMI) improved during hospitalisation (P< 0.001), but did not change post-hospitalisation (P= 0.508). A repeated-measures mixed model showed that greater loss in knee-extension strength during hospitalisation was associated with increased sedentary time, frailty and baseline strength and lower baseline inflammatory levels. our observations add to a growing body of evidence on potential risk factors for hospital-associated deconditioning.

Evaluating Effectiveness of an Acute Rehabilitation Program in Hospital-Associated Deconditioning.

Acute hospitalization can result in significant decline in functional ability, known as hospital-associated deconditioning. Older adults are most vulnerable, with resultant functional difficulties and increased risk of institutionalization. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary acute rehabilitation program in hospital-associated deconditioning on routinely collected outcome data to examine its impact to determine whether a controlled trial is warranted. We conducted a retrospective review of the hospital database for the national rehabilitation clinical registry for 2013 and 2014. We analyzed responses from patient feedback questionnaires over a 2-year period to assess patient experience of the rehabilitation program. The analysis included 289 patients referred to our acute rehabilitation program. Most patients were aged 81-90 years, representing 47% (n = 137) of all admissions. The main impairment group was deconditioning (54%). The median entry time to the acute rehabilitation program for this impairment group was 5 days from admission and length of stay in the rehabilitation program was 9 days. Many of these patients (57%) were directly discharged home, with only 21% needing transfer for inpatient rehabilitation. The average Functional Independence Measure score gain was 22 for the patients directly discharged home, with an average discharge Functional Independence Measure score of 94/126. Of the patient feedback responses received (response rate: 24%), 96% rated the program as very good or good. We observed improved functional outcomes among program participants, with the majority directly discharged home, reduced transfer to rehabilitation hospitals, and patient acceptance of this acute rehabilitation program. These promising results suggest that a more rigorous evaluation of this acute rehabilitation program in the management of hospital-associated deconditioning is warranted.

CAUSES OF FUNCTIONAL DECLINE IN ELDERLY HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS RECEIVING EITHER INDIVIDUAL OR EXCLUSIVE REHABILITATION THERAPY: A COHORT STUDY

Background: Recently, exclusive rehabilitation therapy was introduced to prevent functional decline due to hospital-associated deconditioning by managing older inpatients’ activities of daily living in Japan. However, this type of therapy does not provide one-on-one exercises similar to individual rehabilitation therapy. This study aimed to report the present ward conditions and the causes of the functional decline in elderly patients receiving individual or exclusive rehabilitation therapy. Methods: A total of 1,636 inpatients, aged 65 years or older, were included in the study. Barthel Index at admission and discharge was assessed prospectively to analyze functional decline. We further analyzed the causes of functional decline by investigating the inpatient’s medical records. Results: Forty-three inpatients (2.6%) had functional decline during hospitalization. There were no significant differences in age, Barthel Index at the time of admission, and the type of clinical department between inpatients with and without functional decline. The functional decline rate in individual rehabilitation therapy was 8.2%, which was significantly higher compared to exclusive rehabilitation therapy (0.8%). The most common causes of functional decline were a pain, low postoperative physical fitness, malignant neoplasm, and new-onset cerebral stroke. Conclusion: We report the present ward conditions in elderly patients receiving either individual or exclusive rehabilitation therapies. Functional decline was correlated to the inpatients’ disease and conditions. The causes of the functional decline can be classified based on whether rehabilitation was effective or ineffective. If the functional decline was caused by hospital-associated deconditioning, we should address the functional decline by providing appropriate rehabilitation methods.

Sarcopenia is associated with worse recovery of physical function and dysphagia and a lower rate of home discharge in Japanese hospitalized adults undergoing convalescent rehabilitation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sarcopenia on functional outcomes, including activities of daily living (ADLs); dysphagia status; and the rate of home discharge, among hospitalized adults receiving convalescent rehabilitation. A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 898 patients newly admitted to in-hospital convalescent rehabilitation wards at a single rehabilitation hospital in Japan. Baseline sarcopenia was diagnosed using muscle mass index and handgrip strength according to the criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People, with the cutoff values of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. The primary outcome was ADLs, assessed by Functional Independence Measure motor (FIM-motor) score at hospital discharge. The secondary outcomes included dysphagia, assessed by the Food Intake Level Scale (FILS), at discharge, and the rate of home discharge. Three multivariate analyses revealed an association between sarcopenia and the clinical outcomes. Each analysis adjusted for the following confounders: age, sex, time from onset, premorbid ADLs, comorbidities, cognitive level, nutritional status, major drugs, and admission diagnoses. After enrollment, 795 patients (mean age 74.9 ± 13.2 y; 59% women) were included in the final analysis. Admission diagnoses included stroke (n = 276; 34.7%), musculoskeletal disorders (n = 382; 48.1%), and hospital-associated deconditioning (n = 137; 17.2%). Of the 795 patients examined, 402 (50.6%) had sarcopenia. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that sarcopenia was independently associated with FIM motor score at discharge in patients with all disease types (β = -0.189 [stroke], -0.240 [musculoskeletal disorders], -0.230 [hospital-associated deconditioning]; all P < 0.05), with FILS score at discharge only in patients with musculoskeletal disorders (β = -0.271, P < 0.001), but not in patients with stroke (β = -0.061, P = 0.375) or those with hospital-associated deconditioning (β = -0.131, P = 0.070). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that sarcopenia was associated with rate of home discharge in all disease types (odds ratio [OR], 0.201; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.067-0.597 for stroke; OR, 0.242; 95% CI, 0.076-0.772 for musculoskeletal disorders; OR, 0.121; 95% CI, 0.110-0.347 for hospital-associated deconditioning; all P < 0.05). Sarcopenia is associated with worse recovery of ADLs and dysphagia and a lower rate of home discharge in hospitalized adults undergoing convalescent rehabilitation. Early detection of sarcopenia and treatment by rehabilitation nutrition should be implemented in this population.

Prevalence of sarcopenia and its association with activities of daily living and dysphagia in convalescent rehabilitation ward inpatients

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia following stroke, musculoskeletal disease, or hospital-associated deconditioning in convalescent rehabilitation ward inpatients. The association between the activities of daily living (ADLs), dysphagia, and sarcopenia was also assessed. A cross-sectional study was performed in consecutive patients admitted to convalescent rehabilitation wards. Sarcopenia was defined as a loss of skeletal muscle mass and decreased muscle strength. The primary outcome was the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score. Body mass index, Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form score, Food Intake Level Scale (FILS) score, Charlson Comorbidity Index, premorbid modified Rankin scale, time from onset, reason for admission, bioelectrical impedance analysis for skeletal muscle mass and fat mass, and handgrip strength were also assessed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine whether ADLs and dysphagia were associated with sarcopenia. The study included 637 patients (mean age: 74 years; 271 men and 366 women). Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 343 (53.0%) patients (141 men and 202 women). Sarcopenia was identified in 53.6% (125/233) of stroke patients (59.8%, 50.0%, and 34.6% of patients with brain infarctions, brain hemorrhages, and subarachnoid hemorrhages, respectively). Sarcopenia was found in 51.3% (154/300) of patients with musculoskeletal diseases (59.5%, 53.6%, and 36.5% of patients with hip fractures, vertebral compression fractures, and total knee arthroplasty, respectively). Of patients with hospital-associated deconditioning, 61.5% (64/104) had sarcopenia (95.1% and 39.7% of patients with pneumonia and other acute diseases, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that FIM motor domain and FILS scores were independently associated with skeletal muscle mass loss and decreased muscle strength. The prevalence of sarcopenia in convalescent rehabilitation ward inpatients was 53.0%. ADLs and dysphagia were independently associated with sarcopenia in this study population. Sarcopenia with disabilities should be assessed for all patients in rehabilitation settings.

Hospital-associated deconditioning and dysfunction.

A paper published in 1991 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society describes hospitalisation as a 'devastating' event for an older person. This was conceptualised as stemming from three discrete processes: the illness itself, adverse effects of treatment and the general effects of deconditioning.

Time for food - training physiatrists in nutritional prescription

Sub-optimal nutrition is a leading factor in all-cause mortality, the preponderance of non-communicable chronic diseases, and various health conditions that are treated by physiatrists, such as stroke and musculoske-letal disorders. Furthermore, patients with chronic pain have a high prevalence of nutritional deficiencies, and malnutrition has been associated with limited rehabilitation outcomes in elderly patients with hospital-associated deconditioning. Thus, physiatrists may find it valuable to include nutrition in their patient services. However, discussion of nutritional counselling in the physiatry literature is rare. To inform physiatrists about including nutritional counselling as part of the treatment they provide. The paper reviews recommended communication skills, behavioural change strategies, and opportunities for inter-professional collaboration. Further resources to educate physiatrists both in nutritional prescription and in improving their own personal health behaviours are provided. Training physiatrists to address nutrition is a step-wise process, described here.

Rethinking Hospital-Associated Deconditioning: Proposed Paradigm Shift.

Physical therapists often treat older adults with marked deficits in physical function secondary to an acute hospitalization. These deficits are often collectively defined as hospital-associated deconditioning (HAD). However, there is a paucity of evidence that objectively demonstrates the efficacy of physical therapy for older adults with HAD. Older adults with HAD represent a highly variable and complex population and thus may be difficult to study and develop effective interventions for using our current rehabilitation strategies. This perspective article outlines an innovative framework to operationalize and treat older adults with HAD. This framework may help therapists apply emerging exercise strategies to this population and facilitate additional research to support the total value of physical therapy for older adults in postacute care settings-with value measured not only by improvements in physical performance but perhaps also by reduced rates of disability development, rehospitalization, and institutionalization.