Older adults in skilled nursing facilities demonstrate low physical activity during and after discharge

CONCLUSION: In an exploratory study, SNF residents demonstrated profoundly low levels of physical activity both during and after their SNF stay. Future studies using larger sample sizes should examine physical activity during the SNF to home transition as well as barriers and facilitators to physical activity in post-acute care environments.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONSNF residents in this study demonstrated low levels of physical activity and high rates of sedentary behavior that persisted after discharge home.Interventions to improve physical activity levels in the SNF are sorely needed, and those interventions should include a plan for progressing physical activity after the transition home.Objective measurement of physical activity using activity monitors may prove clinically useful for older adults following hospitalization in the SNF and home settings.PMID:33836134 | DOI:10.1080/09638288.2021.1892838

Source: Disability and Rehabilitation - April 9, 2021 Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Julie A Stutzbach Allison M Gustavson Danielle L Derlein Jeri E Forster Rebecca S Boxer Jennifer E Stevens-Lapsley Source Type: research