Post-COVID-19 patients in geriatric rehabilitation substantially recover in daily functioning and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: After an acute infection, older persons may benefit from geriatric rehabilitation (GR). OBJECTIVES: This study describes the recovery trajectories of post-COVID-19 patients undergoing GR and explores whether frailty is associated with recovery. DESIGN: Multicentre prospective cohort study. SETTING: 59 GR facilities in 10 European countries. PARTICIPANTS: Post-COVID-19 patients admitted to GR between October 2020 and October 2021. METHODS: Patients' characteristics, daily functioning (Barthel index; BI), quality of life (QoL; EQ-5D-5L) and frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale; CFS) were collected at admission, discharge, 6 weeks and 6 months after discharge. We used linear mixed models to examine the trajectories of daily functioning and QoL. RESULTS: 723 participants were included with a mean age of 75 (SD: 9.91) years. Most participants were pre-frail to frail (median [interquartile range] CFS 6.0 [5.0-7.0]) at admission. After admission, the BI first steeply increased from 11.31 with 2.51 (SE 0.15, P < 0.001) points per month and stabilised around 17.0 (quadratic slope: -0.26, SE 0.02, P < 0.001). Similarly, EQ-5D-5L first steeply increased from 0.569 with 0.126 points per month (SE 0.008, P < 0.001) and stabilised around 0.8 (quadratic slope: -0.014, SE 0.001, P < 0.001). Functional recovery rates were independent of frailty level at admission. QoL was lower at admission for frailer participants, but increased faster, stabilising at almost equal QoL values for frail, pre-frail and fit patients. CONCLUSIONS: Post-COVID-19 patients admitted to GR showed substantial recovery in daily functioning and QoL. Frailty at GR admission was not associated with recovery and should not be a reason to exclude patients from GR.

Long-Term Effects of a 6-Week Power-Based Resistance Training and Fast Walking Interval Training Program on Physical Function, Muscle Power, Disability, and Frailty in Pre-Frail and Frail Older Adults.

INTRODUCTION: Concurrent training has been shown to be a beneficial approach to improve overall health status in older adults. However, little is known about the adaptations of this type of training in the long term (i.e., after cessation of exercise), even less in older people affected by frailty syndrome. Therefore, this study aimed (i) to assess the effects of a 6-week concurrent training program composed of power-oriented resistance training and fast walking interval training on physical function, muscle power, disability in activities of daily living and frailty in pre-frail and frail older people, and (ii) to assess the effects of a 6-month detraining period on these outcomes. METHODS: A total of 59 pre-frail and frail older adults (>75 years old; Frailty Phenotype >1) were allocated into intervention (INT; n = 32; 81.8 years; 21 women) or control (CON; n = 27; 82.5 years; 19 women) groups. Primary outcomes of this study were Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), relative sit-to-stand (STS) power, Barthel index, Lawton scale and Frailty Phenotype. Assessments were performed at baseline (PRE), after the concurrent training programme (POST) and after 6 months of follow-up (DET) in both groups. Mixed model repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni's post hoc tests was used. RESULTS: Immediately after the intervention (∆ = POST-PRE), INT improved SPPB (∆ = 3.0 points; p < 0.001), relative STS power (∆ = 0.87 W·kg-1; p < 0.001) and reduced their frailty levels (∆ = -1.42 criteria; p < 0.001), while no changes were observed in CON. After 6 months of detraining (∆ = DET-PRE), INT showed higher SPPB (∆ = 2.2 points; p < 0.001), higher relative STS power (∆ = 0.73 W·kg-1; p < 0.001) and lower frailty (∆ = -1.24 criteria; p < 0.001) values than those reported at baseline, which were significantly different than those reported by CON. Both, Barthel index and Lawton scale values were not modified during the study in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The 6-week concurrent training program improved physical function, muscle power and reduced frailty in pre-frail and frail older people and these improvements were maintained above baseline levels after 6 months of detraining. However, due to the individual variability found, future studies of long-term responders versus non-responders in frail populations are required.

Contribution of individual and cumulative frailty-related health deficits on cardiac rehabilitation completion.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high burden of frailty among cardiac rehabilitation (CR) participants, it is unclear which frailty-related deficits are related to program completion. METHODS: Data from a single-centre exercise- and education-based CR program were included. A frailty index (FI) based on 25 health deficits was constructed. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of CR completion based on the presence of individual FI items. The odds of completion for cumulative deficits related to biomarkers, body composition, quality of life, as well as a composite of traditional and non-traditional cardiovascular risk factor domains were examined. RESULTS: A total of 3,756 individuals were included in analyses. Eight of 25 FI variables were positively associated with program completion while 8 others were negatively associated with completion. The variable with the strongest positive association was the food frequency questionnaire score (OR 1.27 (95% CI 1.14, 1.41), whereas the deficit with strongest negative association was a decline in health over the last year (OR 0.74 (95% CI 0.58, 0.93). An increased number of cardiovascular deficits were associated with an increased odds of CR completion (OR per 1 deficit increase 1.16 (95% CI 1.11, 1.22)). A higher number of traditional CR deficits were predictive of CR completion (OR 1.22 (95% CI 1.16, 1.29)), but non-traditional measures predicted non-completion (OR 0.95 (95% CI 0.92, 0.97)). CONCLUSION: A greater number of non-traditional cardiovascular deficits was associated with non-completion. These data should be used to implement intervention to patients who are most vulnerable to drop out to maximize retention.

Prehabilitation-Driven Changes in Frailty Metrics Predict Mortality in Patients With Advanced Liver Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Frailty is a predictor of morbidity and mortality in cirrhosis. Although evidence for prehabilitation is promising, the data for liver transplant (LT) candidates are limited. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a novel prehabilitation strategy on changes in frailty metrics and survival in LT candidates. The secondary aim was to determine liver-related and extrahepatic conditions associated with frailty. METHODS: In this ambispective cohort study, all patients underwent frailty assessment using the liver frailty index (LFI), 6-minute walk test, and gait speed test performed by a dedicated physical therapist. Home-based exercise prescription was individualized to each patient's baseline physical fitness. RESULTS: We included 517 patients (59% men, median age 61 years, and a model for end-stage liver disease score of 12) evaluated during 936 PT visits. Frailty metrics were affected by age, sex, and liver-related parameters, but not by model for end-stage liver disease. Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and alcohol-related cirrhosis had worse frailty metrics by all tools. We demonstrated the feasibility of prehabilitation in improving both LFI and 6-minute walk test, particularly in adherent patients. A median LFI improvement of 0.3 in frail patients was associated with improved survival in univariate analysis. Compliance with physical therapist visits (hazards ratio = 0.35 [0.18-0.67] for 2 visits and hazards ratio = 0.54 [0.31-0.94] for ≥3 visits) was independently associated with increased survival. DISCUSSION: Prehabilitation improves frailty metrics in LT candidates and is associated with a survival advantage. Our findings provide a framework for the standardized prehabilitation program in LT candidates while prioritizing compliance, adherence, and on-training LFI goal accomplishment.

Systems Approach Is Needed for In-Hospital Mobility: A Qualitative Metasynthesis of Patient and Clinician Perspectives.

OBJECTIVE: To describe how different key stakeholders (ie, interprofessional clinical care team and patients) perceive their role in promoting in-hospital mobility by systematically synthesizing qualitative literature. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid PsychInfo, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health were searched using terms relevant to mobility, hospitalization, and qualitative research. A total of 510 unique articles were retrieved and screened for eligibility. STUDY SELECTION: Eligible qualitative studies included stakeholder perspectives on in-hospital mobility, including patients, nursing staff, rehabilitation staff, and physicians. Eleven articles remained after inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied. DATA EXTRACTION: At least 2 authors independently read, coded, and derived themes from each study. We used a team-based inductive approach to thematic synthesis informed by critical realism and the socioecological model. Reciprocal translation unified convergent and divergent constructs across primary studies. Investigator triangulation enhanced interpretation. DATA SYNTHESIS: Three primary themes emerged: (1) patient, family, and clinician expectations shape roles in in-hospital mobility; (2) stakeholders' role in mobility depends on hospital environment, infrastructure, culture, and resources; and (3) teamwork creates successful in-hospital mobility, but lack of coordination and cooperation leads to delay in mobilizing. Studies suggested that while mobility is an essential construct in the professional role of clinicians and in the personal identity of patients, the ability of stakeholders to realize their role in mobility is highly dependent on the hospital physical and cultural environment, administrative support, clarity in professional roles, and teamwork. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions designed to address the problem of low hospital mobility should take a systems approach and consider allocation of resources, clarity around professional responsibilities, and elevation of patient and clinician expectations surrounding mobility.

Effect of 12-Month Supervised, Home-Based Physical Exercise on Functioning Among Persons With Signs of Frailty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of a 12-month home-based exercise program on functioning and falls among persons with signs of frailty. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial with a 1:1 allocation. SETTING: Home-based. PARTICIPANTS: Home-dwelling persons aged 65 years or older meeting at least 1 frailty phenotype criteria (N=300). The mean age of the participants was 82.2±6.3 years, 75% were women, 61% met 1-2 frailty criteria, and 39% met ≥3 criteria. INTERVENTIONS: A 12-month, individually tailored, progressive, and physiotherapist-supervised physical exercise twice a week (n=150) vs usual care (n=149). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: FIM, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), handgrip strength, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and self-reported falls and physical activity (other than intervention). Assessed 4 times at home over 12 months. RESULTS: FIM deteriorated in both groups over 12 months, -4.1 points (95% confidence interval [CI], -5.6 to -2.5) in the exercise group and -6.9 (95% CI, -8.4 to -2.3) in the usual care group (group P=.014, time P<.001, interaction P=.56). The mean improvement in SPPB was significantly greater in the exercise group (1.6 [95% CI, 1.3-2.0]) than in the usual care group (0.01 [95% CI, -0.3 to 0.3]) (group P<.001, time P=.11, interaction P=.027). The exercise group reported significantly fewer falls per person-year than the usual care group (incidence rate ratio, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.40-0.55]; P<.001). There was no significant difference between the groups over 12 months in terms of handgrip strength, IADL function, or self-reported physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: One year of physical exercise improved physical performance and decreased the number of falls among people with signs of frailty. FIM differed between the groups at 12 months, but exercise did not prevent deterioration of FIM, IADL, or handgrip strength.

Frailty and Life-Space Mobility: Implications for Clinical Practice and Research.

Frailty is an important medical syndrome that can be prevented or treated with specific interventions. However, there is limited research evidence on multifactorial perspectives of frailty management and its impact on daily function including mobility declines and changes in life-space mobility. Using the person-environment-occupation (PEO) model we aim to describe the relationship between frailty and life-space mobility in older adults. This manuscript provides a new framework for clinical practice and research implications of frailty and life-space mobility in older adults including: (1) overview of key concepts, (2) application of the PEO model to describe how frailty (personal) and life-space (environmental) can influence occupational performance, and (3) clinical practice implications to improve frailty-related immobility. This new framework provides a starting point to extend the focus of frailty beyond the individual to encompass the environmental context within which people live and move.

Sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalised skeletal muscle disorder involving the accelerated loss of muscle mass and function that is associated with increased adverse outcomes including falls, functional decline, frailty, and mortality. It occurs commonly as an age-related process in older people, influenced not only by contemporaneous risk factors, but also by genetic and lifestyle factors operating across the life course. It can also occur in mid-life in association with a range of conditions. Sarcopenia has become the focus of intense research aiming to translate current knowledge about its pathophysiology into improved diagnosis and treatment, with particular interest in the development of biomarkers, nutritional interventions, and drugs to augment the beneficial effects of resistance exercise. Designing effective preventive strategies that people can apply during their lifetime is of primary concern. Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sarcopenia is likely to become part of routine clinical practice.

Increased care at discharge from COVID-19: The association between pre-admission frailty and increased care needs after hospital discharge; a multicentre European observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has placed significant pressure on health and social care. Survivors of COVID-19 may be left with substantial functional deficits requiring ongoing care. We aimed to determine whether pre-admission frailty was associated with increased care needs at discharge for patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. METHODS: Patients were included if aged over 18 years old and admitted to hospital with COVID-19 between 27 February and 10 June 2020. The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) was used to assess pre-admission frailty status. Admission and discharge care levels were recorded. Data were analysed using a mixed-effects logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, smoking status, comorbidities, and admission CRP as a marker of severity of disease. RESULTS: Thirteen hospitals included patients: 1671 patients were screened, and 840 were excluded including, 521 patients who died before discharge (31.1%). Of the 831 patients who were discharged, the median age was 71 years (IQR, 58-81 years) and 369 (44.4%) were women. The median length of hospital stay was 12 days (IQR 6-24). Using the CFS, 438 (47.0%) were living with frailty (≥ CFS 5), and 193 (23.2%) required an increase in the level of care provided. Multivariable analysis showed that frailty was associated with an increase in care needs compared to patients without frailty (CFS 1-3). The adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were as follows: CFS 4, 1.99 (0.97-4.11); CFS 5, 3.77 (1.94-7.32); CFS 6, 4.04 (2.09-7.82); CFS 7, 2.16 (1.12-4.20); and CFS 8, 3.19 (1.06-9.56). CONCLUSIONS: Around a quarter of patients admitted with COVID-19 had increased care needs at discharge. Pre-admission frailty was strongly associated with the need for an increased level of care at discharge. Our results have implications for service planning and public health policy as well as a person's functional outcome, suggesting that frailty screening should be utilised for predictive modelling and early individualised discharge planning.

Geriatric or cardiac rehabilitation? Predictors of treatment pathways in advanced age patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

BACKGROUND: Aim of the study was to find predictors of allocating patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) to geriatric (GR) or cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and describe this new patient group based on a differentiated characterization. METHODS: From 10/2013 to 07/2015, 344 patients with an elective TAVI were consecutively enrolled in this prospective multicentric cohort study. Before intervention, sociodemographic parameters, echocardiographic data, comorbidities, 6-min walk distance (6MWD), quality of life and frailty (score indexing activities of daily living [ADL], cognition, nutrition and mobility) were documented. Out of these, predictors for assignment to CR or GR after TAVI were identified using a multivariable regression model. RESULTS: After TAVI, 249 patients (80.7 ± 5.1 years, 59.0% female) underwent CR (n = 198) or GR (n = 51). GR patients were older, less physically active and more often had a level of care, peripheral artery disease as well as a lower left ventricular ejection fraction. The groups also varied in 6MWD. Furthermore, individual components of frailty revealed prognostic impact: higher values in instrumental ADL reduced the probability for referral to GR (OR:0.49, p <  0.001), while an impaired mobility was positively associated with referral to GR (OR:3.97, p = 0.046). Clinical parameters like stroke (OR:0.19 of GR, p = 0.038) and the EuroSCORE (OR:1.04 of GR, p = 0.026) were also predictive. CONCLUSION: Advanced age patients after TAVI referred to CR or GR differ in several parameters and seem to be different patient groups with specific needs, e.g. regarding activities of daily living and mobility. Thus, our data prove the eligibility of both CR and GR settings.

Neurocognitive and Muscular Capacities Are Associated with Frailty in Adults with Cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Frailty is common in cirrhosis and associated with mortality, hospitalization, and reduced quality of life. Interventions aimed at forestalling frailty are limited by a lack of understanding of underlying physiologic deficits. AIMS: This study's aim was to examine contributions of discrete sensorimotor and neurocognitive capacities to conventional frailty measures of unipedal stance time, chair stands, and grip strength. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 119 outpatients with cirrhosis (50% female, aged 62.9 ± 7.3 years). Capacities included sensory (lower limb sensation and visual contrast), neurocognitive (Number Connection Tests A and B, simple and recognition reaction time), and muscular (hip/core strength determined by lateral plank time (LPT)). Bivariate analyses and linear regression models were performed to identify significant contributors to each frailty measure. RESULTS: The average performance was 9.8 ± 3.9 chair stands, 12.7 s ±9.9 unipedal stance time, and 60.3 ± 25.6 lb grip strength. In multivariate models, factors explained 40% of variance in unipedal stance and 43% of variance in chair stands. The LPT was most strongly associated with unipedal stance and chair stands. Grip strength was associated with LPT, but did not have physiologic predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically useful measures of frailty in adults with cirrhosis can be explained by disease severity but also deficits in strength and neurocognitive function. Recognition reaction time, a novel measure in cirrhosis, had a significant contribution to frailty. These findings have implications for frailty assessment and suggest that the optimal rehabilitation approach to frailty targets neurocognitive function in addition to strengthening.

Factors Associated With Improving or Worsening the State of Frailty: A Secondary Data Analysis of a 5-Year Longitudinal Study.

PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the frailty transition patterns of older adults recruited from both community and residential care settings within a 5-year period, and to identify the physical and psychosocial factors associated with the transitions. DESIGN: This study is a secondary data analysis of a longitudinal study for tracking the change of health status of older adults 60 years of age or older. Participants who had undergone at least two assessments during 2013-2017 were selected for analysis. Guided by the Gobben's Frailty Model, biopsychosocial predictors were comprehensively identified from the literature, and their relationship to frailty state transition was explored. METHODS: We compared the baseline characteristics of participants at the frail, pre-frail, and robust states (categorized using the Fried Frailty Index). A generalized estimating equation was used to identify factors associated with an improvement or a deterioration in frailty. The probability of transitions between frailty states was calculated. FINDINGS: Among the 306 participants, 19% (n = 59) improved and 30% (n = 92) declined in frailty within the project period. Sleep difficulties (odds ratio [OR] = 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-2.90; p = .027), better cognitive status (OR = 0.80-0.84; 95% CI: 0.66-0.98 and 0.73-2.73; p = .031 and .018), good nutritional status (OR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.59-0.91; p = .005), slow mobility (OR = 1.03-1.13; 95% CI: 1.00-1.05 and 1.03-1.25; p = .047 and .014), hearing impairment (OR = 2.83; 95% CI: 1.00-8.01; p = .05), better quality of health-physical domain (OR = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.92-0.99; p = .006), and better functional ability (OR = 0.85-0.97; 95% CI: 0.79-0.92 and 0.96-0.99; p < .001 and p = .003) were significant associated factors in the worsening group. More physical activity (OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00-1.01 and 1.01-1.02; p = .026 and p < .001), hearing impairment (OR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.08-0.86; p = .028), and slow mobility (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.87-1.00; p = .037) were significant associated factors in the improvement group. CONCLUSIONS: Frailty is a crucial global public health issue. This study provides evidence for nurses to holistically consider the associated factors and to design effective interventions to combat frailty in our ageing society. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Frailty is a transient state that can be reversed. Professional nurses working in both community and residential care settings should be able to identify older adults at risk and improve their health conditions appropriately.

Home-Based Exercise in Patients Awaiting Liver Transplantation: A Feasibility Study.

Frailty is associated with increased mortality both before and after liver transplantation (LT). There are no standardized exercise programs, in particular home-based exercise programs (HBEPs), for patients awaiting LT. The aim was to investigate the feasibility of such a program in patients awaiting LT. Patients were randomly selected from the Birmingham LT waiting list and provided with a 12-week HBEP, including average daily step (ADS) targets and twice-weekly resistance exercises. Feasibility was based on patient eligibility (≥66% of waiting list), target recruitment (≥90% of n = 20), safety (no related serious adverse events), and adherence (≥66% adherence to 6-week HBEP). Measures of aerobic (incremental shuttle walk test [ISWT], ADS), functional capacity (short physical performance battery test [SPPBT]), and health-related quality of life (EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) and hospital anxiety and depression score [HADS]) were taken at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks. 18 patients (50% male; median age, 55 years) were recruited. All domains of the study feasibility criteria were met. ISWT improved after 6 weeks (50 m; P ≤ 0.01) and 12 weeks (210 m; P ≤ 0.01), despite withdrawal of the telephone health calls. Similarly, improvements were seen in ADS (2700/day; P ≤ 0.01) and the SPPBT (2.5; P = 0.02) after 12 weeks. There was no difference in HADS (median difference [MD] -3; P = 0.69), but EQ-5D-5L after 12 weeks (17.5%; P = 0.04). In conclusion, a 12-week HBEP, incorporating both easy-to-apply resistance and aerobic exercises, is safe and feasible in patients awaiting LT. Measures of aerobic and functional capacity demonstrate trends toward improvement that warrant further investigation in a randomized controlled trial.

25(OH) vitamin D and functional outcomes in older adults admitted to rehabilitation units: the safari study.

Vitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency is associated with poor physical performance; little is known about its impact on geriatric rehabilitation. We found a positive non-linear relationship between 25(OH)D and functional gain, stronger in levels < 16 ng/ml (below the cutoff for "deficiency"). An early 25(OH)D dosage may be advisable for this population. INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency is highly prevalent in older people, and it is associated with poor muscular strength and physical performance. Its impact on functional outcomes during geriatric rehabilitation has been poorly studied. We aim to analyze the association between 25(OH)D and functional recovery in geriatric rehabilitation units. METHODS: We conducted a prospective multi-center cohort study including patients ≥ 65 years old admitted to 3 geriatric rehabilitation units in Italy and Spain, after orthopedic events or stroke. Outcomes were absolute functional gain (AFG, discharge-admission Barthel index) and ability to walk (AW) at 3 months after admission. The association between 25(OH)D quartiles (Q1-Q2-Q3-Q4) and outcomes was explored using linear or logistic regression models. RESULTS: We included 420 patients (mean age = 81.2 years [SD = 7.7], 66.4% females, mean 25(OH)D concentration = 13.5 ng/ml [SD = 8.7]) (to convert to nmol/l multiply by 2.496). A non-linear relationship between 25(OH)D and AFG was found, with a stronger association for 25(OH)D levels < 16 ng/ml. Compared to Q1 (25(OH)D ≤ 6 ng/ml), participants in Q3 (25(OH)D 11.5-18.2 ng/ml) had the best AFG and AW (mean AFG [SD], Q1 = 28.9 [27.8], Q2 = 32.5 [23.5], Q3 = 43.1 [21.9], Q4 = 34.5 [29.3], R2 = 7.3%; AW, Q1-Q2 = 80%, Q3 = 91%, Q4 = 86%). Regression models adjusted for potential confounders confirmed these results (AGF Q2, ß = 2.614, p = 0.49; Q3, ß = 9.723, p < 0.01; Q4, ß = 4.406, p = 0.22; AW Q2, OR [95% CI] = 1.84 [0.67-5.33]; Q3, OR [95% CI] = 4.01 [1.35-13.48]; Q4, OR [95% CI] = 2.18 [0.81-6.21]). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, 25(OH)D concentration showed a positive association with functional outcomes at 3 months. The association is stronger below the usual cutoff for "deficiency." Dosage of 25(OH)D concentration may help identify geriatric rehabilitation patients at risk for a worse functional recovery.

Leucine Supplementation Does Not Alter Insulin Sensitivity in Prefrail and Frail Older Women following a Resistance Training Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Frailty is a clinical condition associated with loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia). Although sarcopenia has multifactorial causes, it might be partly attributed to a blunted response to anabolic stimuli. Leucine acutely increases muscle protein synthesis, and resistance training (RT) is the strongest stimuli to counteract sarcopenia and was recently shown to improve insulin sensitivity (IS) in frail older women. Discrepancies exist regarding whether chronic supplementation of leucine in conjunction with RT can improve muscle mass and IS. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this double-blinded placebo-controlled study was to determine the effects of leucine supplementation and RT on IS in prefrail and frail older women. METHODS: Using the Fried criteria, 19 nondiabetic prefrail (1-2 criteria) and frail (≥3 criteria) older women (77.5 ± 1.3 y; body mass index (kg/m2): 25.1 ± 0.9) underwent a 3-mo intervention of RT 3 times/wk with protein-optimized diet of 1.2 g·kg-1·d-1 and 7.5 g·d-1 of l-leucine supplementation compared with placebo l-alanine. Pre-/postintervention primary outcomes were fasting plasma glucose, serum insulin, and 4-h responses to a standard meal of complete liquid formula. Secondary outcomes of resting energy expenditure using indirect calorimetry and body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were obtained. Paired t tests analyzed pooled data, and 2-factor repeated-measures ANOVA determined supplementation, training, and interaction effects. RESULTS: No significant time, group, or interaction effects were observed for postprandial areas under the curve of serum insulin or plasma glucose or for resting energy expenditure in l-leucine compared with l-alanine. Total lean body mass increased and percentage body fat decreased significantly for both groups postintervention (0.76 ± 0.13 and -0.92 ± 0.33 kg, respectively; time effect: P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: IS was not affected by RT and leucine supplementation in nondiabetic prefrail and frail older women. Therefore, leucine supplementation does not appear to influence IS under these conditions. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01922167.

Gait Speed and Frailty Status in Relation to Adverse Outcomes in Geriatric Rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: Both slow gait speed (GS) and higher levels of frailty are associated with adverse outcomes in community-dwelling older people. However these measures are not routinely utilized to stratify risk status in the hospital setting. Here we assessed their predictive validity in older inpatients. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Inpatient rehabilitation wards of a tertiary hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Adults 65 years and older (N=258). INTERVENTIONS: A frailty index (FI) was calculated from routinely collected data and GS was determined from a timed 10-meter walk test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Adverse outcomes were longer length of stay (≥75th percentile), poor discharge outcome (discharge to a higher level of care or inpatient mortality), and inpatient delirium and falls. RESULTS: Mean age ± SD was 79±8 years and 54% were women. Mean FI ± SD on admission was 0.42±0.13 and an FI could be derived in all participants. Mean GS ± SD was 0.26±0.33 m/sec. Those unable to complete a timed walk on admission (50%) were allocated a GS of 0. There was a weak but significant inverse relationship between FI and GS (correlation coefficient -0.396). Both parameters were significantly associated with longer length of stay (P<.001), poor discharge outcome (P≤.001), and delirium (P<.05).The prevalence of adverse outcomes was highest in the cohort who were more frail and unable to mobilize at admission to rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: FI and GS each showed predictive validity for adverse outcomes. In a geriatric rehabilitation setting, they measure different aspects of vulnerability and combining the 2 may add value in identifying patients most at risk.

A multicomponent exercise intervention to improve physical functioning, cognition and psychosocial well-being in elderly nursing home residents: a study protocol of a randomized controlled trial in the PROCARE (prevention and occupational health in long-term care) project.

BACKGROUND: Older adults, who are living in nursing homes that provide a high level of long-term nursing care, are characterized by multimorbidity and a high prevalence of dependency in activities of daily living. Results of recent studies indicate positive effects of structured exercise programs during long-term care for physical functioning, cognition, and psychosocial well-being. However, for frail elderly the evidence remains inconsistent. There are no evidence-based guidelines for exercises for nursing home residents that consider their individual deficits and capacities. Therefore, high-quality studies are required to examine the efficacy of exercise interventions for this multimorbid target group. The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility and efficacy of a multicomponent exercise intervention for nursing home residents that aims to improve physical and cognitive functioning as well as quality of life. METHODS: A two-arm single-blinded multicenter randomized controlled trial will be conducted, including 48 nursing homes in eight regions of Germany with an estimated sample size of 1120 individuals. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a training or a waiting time control group. For a period of 16 weeks the training group will meet twice a week for group-based sessions (45-60 min each), which will contain exercises to improve physical functioning (strength, endurance, balance, flexibility) and cognitive-motor skills (dual-task). The intervention is organized as a progressive challenge which is successively adapted to the residents' capacities. Physical functioning, cognitive performance, and quality of life will be assessed in both study groups at baseline (pre-test), after 16-weeks (post-treatment), and after 32-weeks (retention test, intervention group only). DISCUSSION: This study will provide information about the efficacy of a multicomponent exercise program in nursing homes (performance, recruitment). Results from this trial will contribute to the evidence of multicomponent exercises, which specifically focus on cognitive-motor approaches in the maintenance of mental and physical functioning. In addition, it will help to encourage older adults to actively engage in social life. Furthermore, the findings will lead to recommendations for health promotion interventions for frail nursing home residents. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was prospectively registered at DRKS.de with the registration number DRKS00014957 on October 9, 2018.

Outpatient comprehensive geriatric assessment: effects on frailty and mortality in old people with multimorbidity and high health care utilization.

BACKGROUND: Multimorbidity and frailty are often associated and Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is considered the gold standard of care for these patients. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of outpatient Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) on frailty in community-dwelling older people with multimorbidity and high health care utilization. METHODS: The Ambulatory Geriatric Assessment-Frailty Intervention Trial (AGe-FIT) was a randomized controlled trial (intervention group, n = 208, control group n = 174) with a follow-up period of 24 months. Frailty was a secondary outcome. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥ 75 years, ≥ 3 current diagnoses per ICD-10, and ≥ 3 inpatient admissions during 12 months prior to study inclusion. The intervention group received CGA-based care and tailored interventions by a multidisciplinary team in an Ambulatory Geriatric Unit, in addition to usual care. The control group received usual care. Frailty was measured with the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) criteria. At 24 months, frail and deceased participants were combined in the analysis. RESULTS: Ninety percent of the population were frail or pre-frail at baseline. After 24 months, there was a significant smaller proportion of frail and deceased (p = 0.002) and a significant higher proportion of pre-frail patients in the intervention group (p = 0.004). Mortality was high, 18% in the intervention group and 26% in the control group. CONCLUSION: Outpatient CGA may delay the progression of frailty and may contribute to the improvement of frail patients in older persons with multimorbidity.

Effect of Physical Activity on Frailty: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Limited evidence suggests that physical activity may prevent frailty and associated negative outcomes in older adults. Definitive data from large long-term randomized trials are lacking. Objective: To determine whether a long-term, structured, moderate-intensity physical activity program is associated with a lower risk for frailty and whether frailty status alters the effect of physical activity on the reduction in major mobility disability (MMD) risk. Design: Multicenter, single-blind, randomized trial. Setting: 8 centers in the United States. Participants: 1635 community-dwelling adults, aged 70 to 89 years, with functional limitations. Intervention: A structured, moderate-intensity physical activity program incorporating aerobic, resistance, and flexibility activities or a health education program consisting of workshops and stretching exercises. Measurements: Frailty, as defined by the SOF (Study of Osteoporotic Fractures) index, at baseline and 6, 12, and 24 months, and MMD, defined as the inability to walk 400 m, for up to 3.5 years. Results: Over 24 months of follow-up, the risk for frailty (n = 1623) was not statistically significantly different in the physical activity versus the health education group (adjusted prevalence difference, -0.021 [95% CI, -0.049 to 0.007]). Among the 3 criteria of the SOF index, the physical activity intervention was associated with improvement in the inability to rise from a chair (adjusted prevalence difference, -0.050 [CI, -0.081 to -0.020]). Baseline frailty status did not modify the effect of physical activity on reducing incident MMD (P for interaction = 0.91). Limitation: Frailty status was neither an entry criterion nor a randomization stratum. Conclusion: A structured, moderate-intensity physical activity program was not associated with a reduced risk for frailty over 2 years among sedentary, community-dwelling older adults. The beneficial effect of physical activity on the incidence of MMD did not differ between frail and nonfrail participants. Primary Funding Source: National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health.

Prehabilitation is better than cure.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: With a continuously growing number of older patients undergoing major surgical procedures, reliable parameters practicable in perioperative routine revealing those patients at risk are urgently needed. Recently, the concept of 'prehabilitation' with its key elements exercise, nutrition and psychological stress reduction especially in frail patients is attracting increasing attention. RECENT FINDINGS: Literature search revealed a huge amount of publications in particular within the last 12 months. Although a single definition of both frailty and prehabilitation is still to be made, various players in the perioperative setting obviously are becoming increasingly convinced about a possible benefit of the program - referring to different components and measures performed. Although physiologically advantages seem obvious, there is hardly any reliable data on clinical outcomes resulting from properly performed studies. This applies especially to octogenarians; thus those at risk for adverse events the concept originally addresses. SUMMARY: Identifying high-risk patients at the earliest possible stage and increasing their physiological reserve prior to surgery is a promising approach that seems to result in remarkable improvements for older patients. However, further studies on effectiveness in a highly heterogeneous population and agreement on a common concept are mandatory before a final judgement can be given.