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An augmented prescribed exercise program (APEP) to improve mobility of older acute medical patients - a randomized, controlled pilot and feasibility trial.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:There is inconclusive evidence for the effectiveness of additional exercise in older hospital patients. The aims of this study were (1) to assess the feasibility of an augmented prescribed exercise program (APEP) in older acute medical patients and (2) to measure the potential effects of APEP on mobility capacity in order to assess the feasibility of a large full-scale study. METHODS:We conducted a single-center, prospective, parallel-group, single-blinded, randomized (1:1) controlled pilot and feasibility trial. Participants were recruited from acute geriatric wards of a general hospital. Key inclusion criteria were: age???65?years and walking ability. Key exclusion criteria were severe cognitive impairment and medical restriction for physical exercise interventions. Both groups received usual care, including physiotherapy. Intervention group participants were scheduled for additional exercise sessions (20-30?min, 4-5x/week). Feasibility of the trial design was assessed along pre-defined criteria for process, resources and management. Feasibility of the APEP intervention was analyzed by means of adherence, compliance and safety. Outcomes were measured at baseline and prior to hospital discharge. The primary outcome was mobility capacity (de Morton Mobility Index; DEMMI). Secondary outcomes were walking ability, physical endurance, fear of falling, frailty and length of stay. RESULTS:Thirty-five participants were recruited (recruitment rate 20.3%). We lost 7 participants to follow-up (retention rate: 80%). Intervention group participants (n?=?17) each participated in 5.3?±?2.2 additional exercise sessions (mean duration: 23.2?±?4.0?min; mean adherence rate 78%?±?26%). No severe adverse events occurred during study assessments or APEP sessions. There were no statistically significant differences in mean change scores in any outcome measure. A sample of 124 participants would be required to detect a difference of 4 DEMMI points (ES?=?0.45) with a power of 80%. CONCLUSIONS:This small feasibility RCT indicates that an APEP intervention may be safe and feasible in older acute medical patients. APEP may possibly induce small to moderate effects on mobility, but the clinical relevance of these effects may be limited. These results inform the planning of a larger-scale phase III study. TRIAL REGISTRATION:German Clinical Trials Register ( DRKS00011262 ). Registered 27 October 2016.

SUBMITTER: Braun T

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6716827 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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An augmented prescribed exercise program (APEP) to improve mobility of older acute medical patients - a randomized, controlled pilot and feasibility trial.

Braun Tobias T Grüneberg Christian C Süßmilch Kirsten K Wiessmeier Max M Schwenk Isabel I Eggert Sarah S Machleit-Ebner Annika A Harras Irene I Thiel Christian C

BMC geriatrics 20190830 1

<h4>Background</h4>There is inconclusive evidence for the effectiveness of additional exercise in older hospital patients. The aims of this study were (1) to assess the feasibility of an augmented prescribed exercise program (APEP) in older acute medical patients and (2) to measure the potential effects of APEP on mobility capacity in order to assess the feasibility of a large full-scale study.<h4>Methods</h4>We conducted a single-center, prospective, parallel-group, single-blinded, randomized ( ...[more]

PMID: 31470815

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Project description:ImportanceTiming and coordination exercises may be an important addition to community-based health promotion exercise programs to improve walking in older adults.ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of the On the Move group exercise program, which focuses on the timing and coordination of movement, with a seated strength, endurance, and flexibility program (usual care) at improving function, disability, and walking ability of older adults.Design, setting, and participantsCluster-randomized, single-blind intervention trial. Thirty-two independent living facilities, senior apartment buildings, and senior community centers were randomized to On the Move (16 sites; 152 participants) or usual care (16 sites; 146 participants). Participants were 65 years or older, able to ambulate independently with a gait speed of at least 0.60 m/s, able to follow 2-step commands, and were medically stable.InterventionsExercise classes were 50 minutes, twice a week for 12 weeks and had 10 or fewer participants per class. On the Move consisted of warm-up, timing and coordination (stepping and walking patterns), strengthening, and stretching exercises. The usual-care program consisted of warm-up, strength, endurance, and stretching exercises.Main outcomes and measuresThe primary outcomes were self-report of function and disability (Late Life Function and Disability Instrument) and mobility (6-minute walk distance and gait speed) assessed by blinded individuals.ResultsParticipants (mean [SD] age, 80.0 [8.1] years) were mostly female (251 [84.2%]) and white (249 [83.6%]) and had a mean (SD) of 2.8 (1.4) chronic conditions. Intervention groups were similar on baseline characteristics. Postintervention, 142 (93.4%) participants in On the Move and 139 (95.2%) participants in usual care completed testing. On the Move had greater mean (SD) improvements than the usual-care group in gait speed (0.05 [0.13] vs -0.01 [0.11] m/s; adjusted difference = 0.05 [0.02] m/s; P = .002) and 6-minute walk distance (20.6 [57.1] vs 4.1 [55.6] m; adjusted difference = 16.7 [7.4] m; P = .03). Attendance was greater in the usual-care program compared with On the Move (95 [65.1%] vs 76 [50.0%] attended ≥20 classes; P = .03). There were no significant differences in any of the other primary or secondary outcomes.Conclusions and relevanceThe On the Move group exercise program was more effective at improving mobility than a usual-care exercise program, despite lower attendance. Additional research examining the impact of the intervention on long-term disability outcomes is needed before recommending routine implementation into clinical practice.Trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01986647.

Project description:BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 epidemic, opportunities for social interaction and physical activity among older people are decreasing, which may have a negative impact on their health. As a solution, a web-based group exercise program provided through a videoconferencing platform would be useful. As a web-based exercise program that older adults can easily, safely, and enjoyably perform at home, we developed a short-duration, light-intensity aerobic dance exercise program. Before studying the effectiveness of this exercise program, its characteristics, such as feasibility, safety, enjoyment, and system usability, should be examined among older adults.ObjectiveThis pilot study aimed to examine the feasibility, safety, and enjoyment of a web-based aerobic dance exercise program and the usability of a web-based exercise delivery system using a videoconferencing platform for older adults.MethodsThis study was designed as a prospective single-arm pilot study. A total of 16 older adults participated in an 8-week web-based aerobic dance program held every morning (8:30 AM to 8:50 AM) on weekdays at home. Retention and adherence rates were measured for the program's feasibility. Safety was assessed by the heart rate reserve, an index of exercise intensity calculated from heart rate, and the number of adverse events during exercise sessions. Enjoyment of this exercise program was assessed by an 11-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (not enjoyable at all) to 10 (extremely enjoyable) obtained through telephone interviews after the first-, third-, sixth-, and eighth-week intervention. For usability, the ease of the videoconferencing platform system was assessed through telephone interviews after the intervention.ResultsA female participant with hypertension dropped out in the second week because of the continuously reported high blood pressure (≥180 mmHg) before attending the exercise session in the first week. Therefore, the retention rate was 93.8% (15/16). Among the remaining participants, the median (IQR) overall adherence rate was 97.4% (94.7-100). Regarding safety, the mean (SD) heart rate reserve during the aerobic dance exercise was 29.8% (6.8%), showing that the exercise was relatively safe with very light to light intensity. There were no adverse events during the exercise session. The enjoyment score (0-10 points) significantly increased from the first (6.7 [1.7]) to sixth (8.2 [1.3]) and eighth week (8.5 [1.3]). Regarding usability, 11 participants reported difficulties at the beginning, such as basic touch panel operations and the use of unfamiliar applications; however, all got accustomed to it and subsequently reported no difficulty.ConclusionsThis study showed high feasibility, enjoyment, and safety of the web-based aerobic dance exercise program in older adults, and the web-based exercise delivery system may have areas for improvement, albeit without serious problems. Our web-based aerobic dance exercise program may contribute to an increase in physical and social activities among older adults.

Project description:BackgroundImpaired balance leading to falls is common in the older adults, and there is strong evidence that balance training reduces falls and increases independence. Reduced resources in health care will result in fewer people getting help with rehabilitation training. In this regard, the new technology augmented reality (AR) could be helpful. With AR, the older adults can receive help with instructions and get feedback on their progression in balance training. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility of using AR-based visual-interactive tools in balance training of the older adults.MethodsSeven older adults (66-88 years old) with impaired balance trained under supervision of a physiotherapist twice a week for six weeks using AR-based visual-interactive guidance, which was facilitated through a Microsoft HoloLens holographic display. Afterwards, participants and physiotherapists were interviewed about the new technology and their experience of the training. Also, fear of falling and balance ability were measured before and after training.ResultsFive participants experienced the new technology as positive in terms of increased motivation and feedback. Experiences were mixed regarding the physical and technical aspects of the HoloLens and the design of the HoloLens application. Participants also described issues that needed to be further improved, for example, the training program was difficult and monotonous. Further, the HoloLens hardware was felt to be heavy, the application's menu was difficult to control with different hand manoeuvres, and the calibration took a long time. Suggestions for improvements were described. Results of the balance tests and self-assessment instruments indicated no improvements in balance performance after AR training.ConclusionsThe study showed that training with the new technology is, to some extent, feasible for the older adults, but needs further development. Also, the technology seemed to stimulate increased motivation, which is a prerequisite for adherence to training. However, the new technology and training requires further development and testing in a larger context.

Project description:Background and objectivesPrescribed exercise to treat medical conditions and to prepare for surgery is a promising intervention to prevent adverse health outcomes for older adults; however, adherence to exercise programs may be low. Our objective was to identify and grade the quality of predictors of adherence to prescribed exercise in older adults.MethodsProspective observational and experimental studies were identified using a peer-reviewed search strategy applied to MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and CINAHL from inception until October 6, 2020. Following an independent and duplicate review of titles, abstracts, and full texts, we included prospective studies with an average population age >65 years, where exercise was formally prescribed for a medical or surgical condition. We excluded studies where exercise was prescribed for a chronic musculoskeletal condition. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognostic studies tool or Cochrane risk of bias tool, as appropriate. Predictors of adherence were identified and graded for quality using an adaptation of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework for predictor studies.ResultsWe included 19 observational studies and 4 randomized controlled trials (n=5785) Indications for exercise included cardiac (n=6), pulmonary rehabilitation (n=7), or other (n=10; surgical, medical, and neurologic). Of the 10 studies that reported adherence as the percent of prescribed sessions completed, average adherence was 80% (range 60-98%; standard deviation (SD) 11%). Of the 10 studies that reported adherence as a categorical threshold demarking adherent vs not adherent, average adherence was 57.5% (range 21-83%; SD 21%). Moderate-quality evidence suggested that positive predictors of adherence were self-efficacy and good self-rated mental health; negative predictors were depression (high quality) and distance from the exercise facility. Moderate-quality evidence suggested that comorbidity and age were not predictive of adherence.ConclusionsThese findings can inform the design of future exercise programs as well as the identification of individuals who may require extra support to benefit from prescribed exercise.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42018108242.

Project description:IntroductionIncreased physical exercise is linked to enhanced brain health and reduced dementia risk. Exercise intervention studies usually are conducted at facilities in groups under trainer supervision. To improve scalability, accessibility, and engagement, programs may need to be structured such that individuals can execute and adjust routines in their own homes.MethodsOne hundred eighty-three healthy older adults from two sites (the United States and Sweden) were screened. One hundred fifty-six subjects (mean age 73.2), randomly assigned to one of four interventions (PACE-Yourself physical exercise program, mindfulness meditation, or Cogmed® adaptive or nonadaptive computerized working memory training) began the study. All interventions were structurally similar: occurring in subjects' homes using interactive, web-based software, over five weeks, ∼175 minutes/week. In the PACE-Yourself program, video segments presented aerobic exercises at different pace and intensity (P&I). The program paused frequently, allowing subjects to indicate whether P&I was "too easy," "too hard," or "somewhat hard." P&I of the subsequent exercise set was adjusted, allowing subjects to exercise at a perceived exertion level of "somewhat hard." Program completion was defined as finishing ≥60% of sessions.ResultsA high percentage of participants in all groups completed the program, although the number (86%) was slightly lower in the PACE-Yourself group than the other three. Excluding dropouts, the PACE-Yourself group had a lower adherence rate of 93%, compared with the other three (∼98%). Over the five weeks, PACE-Yourself participants increased exercising at the highest intensity level, consistent with augmented aerobic activity over time. The number of exercise sessions completed predicted the postintervention versus preintervention increase in self-reported level of physical activity.DiscussionThis study supports the feasibility of a home-based, subject-controlled, exercise program in which P&I is regulated via real-time participant feedback, which may promote self-efficacy. Further study is needed to determine if similar results are found over longer periods and in more diverse populations.

Project description:PurposeOlder adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a high risk and rate of falls. Home-based fall prevention exercise programs reduce falls in older adults and may be an alternative approach for people with COPD without access to hospital-based rehabilitation. Therefore, we aimed to determine the feasibility of a home-based fall prevention exercise program in older adults with COPD and to examine the effect of the program on fall-related outcomes at baseline, 3 and 6 months.Patients and methodsAdults ≥60 years with COPD at risk for falls participated in a single group study. The intervention was a 6-month home-based fall prevention program which included 40 minutes of independent exercise three times per week, four physiotherapist home visits, bimonthly phone calls, and an optional booster session post-exacerbation. An independent assessor collected outcome measures at home at baseline, 3- and 6-months. Primary feasibility criteria were recruitment and retention rates (≥70%) and exercise adherence (≥60%). Functional outcomes included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest), the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, the repeated chair-stand test, self-reported function, and fall history.ResultsThirty-six patients (female 63.8%, mean age 74.4 ± 6.1 years; mean FEV1 45.0 ± 13.8% predicted) were enrolled. The recruitment rate was 46.8%, participant retention rate was 69.4%, and exercise adherence rate was 73.6%. Repeated measures ANOVA showed improvements at 3- and 6-months compared to baseline in the BBS (p=0.001) and the BESTest total scores and sub-scores (p=0.001).ConclusionThe home-based fall prevention exercise program met one of the three pre-specified feasibility criteria (exercise adherence), and improved balance-related measures of fall risk in older adults with COPD. Our findings highlight important opportunities for refinement of the study design prior to undertaking a full-scale trial.

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An augmented prescribed exercise program (APEP) to improve mobility of older acute medical patients - a randomized, controlled pilot and feasibility trial.

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An augmented prescribed exercise program (APEP) to improve mobility of older acute medical patients - a randomized, controlled pilot and feasibility trial.

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