RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Regaining independent living can be challenging in patients undergoing inpatient geriatric rehabilitation. Given the paucity of evidence-based physiotherapy programs for this particular heterogeneous group, the Geriatric Activation Program Pellenberg (GAPP) was developed. PURPOSE: Investigate the evolution of functional performance, and predict detectable changes throughout 4 weeks of GAPP. Methods: Participants in this observational study (2017-2019) followed GAPP as part of their rehabilitation program. Functional balance (Berg balance scale (BBS)) and independence (Katz scale) were the primary outcomes, with gait speed, elbow and knee extension strength, cognitive processing speed, and mood as secondary outcomes. All outcomes were assessed at baseline, 2 weeks and 4 weeks later. Prediction analysis was conducted using logistic regression modeling. Previously reported minimal detectable change with 95% confidence interval (MDC95) was used as detectable change. RESULTS: We recruited 111 participants, with 83 completing 4 weeks of GAPP and all assessments. Over 4 weeks, all outcome measures showed a significant improvement (p ≤ .007). Detectable change was found for BBS (mean improvement of 12.8 points (95% CI: 10.9-14.8), MDC95 = 6.6) and gait speed (mean improvement of 0.24 m/s (95% CI: 0.19-0.29), MDC95 = 0.1 m/s). We found that baseline scores lower than 26 on the BBS (75% sensitivity, 65% specificity) and gait speed lower than 0.34 m/s (53% sensitivity, 81% specificity) were associated with participants achieving detectable change at 4 weeks on BBS and gait speed, respectively. CONCLUSION: Functional performance of a heterogeneous group of geriatric inpatients improved notably after 4 weeks of GAPP. Baseline scores on BBS and gait speed can partially predict detectable changes in functional performance.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Regaining functional independence and independent living is challenging in hospitalized geriatric patients. Different from community dwelling and institutionalized older people, geriatric patients on rehabilitation wards generally receive more frequent and structured physiotherapy with the primary aim to discharge them to their home or place of residence. There is a paucity of evidence concerning the structure and components of physiotherapy programs to improve functional performance in this particular group. In this paper, we describe how we developed the Geriatric Activation Program Pellenberg (GAPP) based on patients' needs and available literature. METHODS: We searched the literature on physiotherapy interventions focusing on the core components for improvement of functional performance: strength, balance, function, (gait)speed, coordination, and endurance training. Based on physiotherapist staffing and physiotherapy time allocated to each patient, we organized the practical, daily delivery of the program. RESULTS: GAPP is a 5-day program, repeated weekly, delivered by physiotherapists and physiotherapy students. Each day, one or a combination of two to three different core components of functional performance is trained intensively in 45-min sessions. A set of standard exercises is constantly adjusted to each patients' capacity. On day 5, there is a mix of these core elements in a group session (e.g., chair-dance, table tennis, karate) and the Berg Balance Scale is completed to evaluate progress. CONCLUSION: GAPP is a multicomponent physiotherapy program for hospitalized patients on a geriatric rehabilitation ward, aimed at improving functional performance.
