Exercise and Nutrition Intervention for Frail Older Patients

Aalborg University Hospital

Status: Completed

Conditions: Frailty

Treatments: Other: Person-centered strength training and nutrition intervention; Other: Standard training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05831982

2021-215

Details and patient eligibility

About

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of a person-centered training and nutrition intervention six month after discharge in acutely admitted frail old medical patients on physical function. Secondly, to evaluate the effect on frailty, quality of life, health literacy, nutrition, readmissions, death and consumption of home care costs.

Full description

Evidence on how to improve physical function and avoid unnecessary readmissions for frail hospitalized older medical patients is not established as yet. In Denmark, the few studies performed have not succeeded in showing a significant difference in physical function or quality of life, due to sector barriers, low compliance and uni-dimensional interventions and none of the studies addressed readmissions and or described a patient-centered approach.

This research project will address this serious individual and societal challenge by testing and evaluating a person-centered complex intervention with emphasis on the patients´ own focus and goals. To increase the probability of developing a successful intervention with the patient in focus we have completed two qualitative studies with patients and health professionals. The primary results from these studies indicate that the pedagogical approach of the involved healthcare professional is important for establishing a good relation. Patients had a desire of being more active, but after four week only a minority had their own expectations fulfilled. Furthermore, the patients expressed that social relations had the potential of increasing adherence to training sessions. Furthermore, a citizen's panel has been established, and possible elements important for the intervention were discussed on behalf of their own experiences with the healthcare system. The results of these qualitative studies and the latest evidence contributed to the development of the current intervention study.

Enrollment: 119 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 65+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• 65+ years old
• Acutely admitted with a medical focus at Aalborg University Hospital, South.
• Living in Aalborg Municipality (except 9230 Svenstrup, 9240 Nibe, 9293 Kongerslev, 9381 Sulsted, and 9382 Tylstrup)
• Able to walk (assistance is ok) before admission.
• Speak and understand Danish.

Exclusion criteria

• Discharged with rehabilitatinplan for physiotherapy within the last 30 days.
• Dementia or other cognitive impairments.
• Terminal ill.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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119 participants in 2 patient groups

Intervention (A)

Experimental group

Description:

Intervention focusing on strength training and nutritional optimization.

Treatment:

Other: Person-centered strength training and nutrition intervention

Control (B)

Active Comparator group

Description:

Usual care. Physiotherapy (type of training decided by the physiotherapist) without nutritional intervention.

Treatment:

Other: Standard training