Preventing Hospital Associated Disability in Older Patients: Individualized Nutrition and Exercise Strategy

Older persons are highly susceptible to hospital associated disability (HAD), defined by a loss of physical function during hospitalization, leading to increased dependency, morbidity, and mortality. Key factors in developing HAD are physical inactivity, malnutrition and dehydration, leading to a decline in muscle mass and muscle strength. Therefore, there is a need to develop effective nutritional and exercise interventions for older patients, during hospitalization. Hypothesis: This study expects that a mobility-graded individualized exercise intervention will effectively prevent a decline in activities of daily living (ADL) function, mobility level, physical function, muscle and strength, and reduce the length of stay, risk of re-admission and mortality among older patients during hospital stay. The investigators furthermore hypothesize that sufficcient nutrition and hydration will improve the impact of the exercise intervention. The study is designed as a randomized controlled trial, and will include 360 participants, men and women, ≥ 65 years old from the geriatric care unit of Bispebjerg Hospital, Denmark. After inclusion, participants will have estimated nutritional status, frailty and mobility, muscle mass and strength, physical function, ADL function, cognitive function and quality of life. Futhermore, blood samples for analysis of anabolic and inflammatory biomarkers as well as microbiome samples will be taken at baseline testing. After baseline testing, the participants will be divided randomely 1:1 into a control group and an intervention group. All participants will have nutritional and hydrational intake registered and wear accelerometers during the study period. The participants in the intervention group will receive 2 x 30 minutes supervised exercise (resistance and mobility) every day during the stury period. At discharge or transfer from the geriatric care unit, participants will be tested for mobility, muscle mass and strength, physical function, ADL function, cognitive function and quality of life. 1 Month after discharge from hospital, the participants will recieve af telefon interview, reporting on ADL-function, mobility, quality of life and nutritional status. Participants succesfully reached by telephone interview, will be asked further permission for a homevisit, where muscle strength and mass, physical function, mobility, cognitive function and ADL function will be evaluated.

Inclusion criteria

• Hospitalized at the geriatric ward
• Speak Danish or English
• Ability to give informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Moderate to severe Dementia
• Manifest delirium