Effects of Structured Exercise Interventions for Older Adults Hospitalized With Acute Medical Illness: A Systematic Review

in Journal of Aging and Physical Activity

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Frances A. Kanach
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Amy M. Pastva
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Katherine S. Hall
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Juliessa M. Pavon
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Miriam C. Morey
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2016-0372
Keywords:
exercise; hospitalization; outcome assessment; quality of life
In Print:
Volume 26: Issue 2
Page Range:
284–303
Restricted access

This review examined effects of structured exercise (aerobic walking, with or without complementary modes of exercise) on cardiorespiratory measures, mobility, functional status, healthcare utilization, and quality of life in older adults (≥60 years) hospitalized for acute medical illness. Inclusion required exercise protocol, at least one patient-level or utilization outcome, and at least one physical assessment point during hospitalization or within 1 month of intervention. MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched for studies published from 2000 to March 2015. Qualitative synthesis of 12 articles, reporting on 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental trials described a heterogeneous set of exercise programs and reported mixed results across outcome categories. Methodological quality was independently assessed by two reviewers using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool. Larger, well-designed RCTs are needed, incorporating measurement of premorbid function, randomization with intention-to-treat analysis, examination of a targeted intervention with predefined intensity, and reported adherence and attrition.

Kanach is with the Inst. for Medical Research, Durham VA Healthcare System, Durham, NC; and Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, NC. Pastva is with the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, NC; Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Duke University, Durham, NC; Division of Physical Therapy, Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC; Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC; and Dept. of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC. Hall, Pavon, and Morey are with the Geriatrics Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham VA Healthcare System, Durham, NC; Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, NC; Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Duke University, Durham, NC; and Division of Geriatrics, Dept. of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC.

Address author correspondence to Miriam C. Morey at Miriam.Morey@duke.edu.
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Journal of Aging and Physical Activity

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