The sedentary behaviour and physical activity patterns of older adults in hospital: A prospective observational study
Kristie Harper1,2,3, Laura Brown2, Samantha Warne2, Chun Ngai Liu2, Jemma Hutchins2, Craig Thompson2, Joanne McVeigh2 1Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia2School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia3EnAble Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
Abstract
Background: Hospitalisation is a period of low physical activity, particularly for older adults, which results in loss of muscle mass, increased risk of death, increased length of hospital stay, and functional decline. Measurement of physical activity levels is essential to evaluate the impact of interventions to maintain or improve function.
Methods: A prospective observational study examining patterns of sedentary behaviour and physical activity using an accelerometer-based activity monitor (activPAL) in an acute hospital setting. A secondary objective was to review patient and staff acceptability of accelerometer use and views on maintaining function in hospital.
Results: A total of 49 adults were recruited with a mean age of 83.0 (10) years (67% females). The mean time spent sitting or lying was 19.9 hours with patients taking an average of 657 steps per day. There was a moderate correlation between the daily number of steps and the Functional Independence Measure score (r = 0.37, p < 0.05). Eighty six percent of patient’s found accelerometer use acceptable, with 91% supportive of program measures to reduce hospital functional decline. Staff acceptability was measured at 50% regarding activPAL use and patient and staff barriers and opportunities to support functional maintenance initiatives were identified. Conclusion: This study has provided rich characterisation of activity patterns in hospital where low levels of physical activity were identified. These findings can support future functional maintenance initiatives and inform therapeutic activity targets for adults in hospital.
Biography
Dr Kristie Harper is an early career researcher and an occupational therapist. Kristie currently works in the Emergency Department (ED) at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH) and holds a conjoint Researcher Coordinator position with Curtin University. She is part of the EnAble Institute and is responsible for a program of research completed in the hospital setting largely focused on the care of older adults. Kristie is also the occupational therapy lead on state falls prevention committees.