Accelerometry Assessed Physical Activity of Elderly Adults Hospitalized with Acute Medical Illness - an Observational Study
Abstract Background: In a hospital setting and among elderly patients, inactivity and bedrest are associated with a wide range of negative outcomes such as functional decline, increased risk of falls, longer hospitalization and new institutionalization. Our aim was to assess the distribution and determinants of physical activity (PA) levels using wrist-worn accelerometers in elderly adults hospitalized with acute medical illness. Methods: Observational study conducted from February to November 2018 at an acute internal medicine unit in the University hospital of Lausanne, Switzerland. We enrolled 177 patients aged ≥65 years, able to walk independently prior to admission. PA during acute hospital stay was continuously recorded via a 3D wrist accelerometer. As previously suggested, PA was defined as an acceleration ≥12 mg. Clinical data was collected from medical records or by interview. Autonomy level prior to inclusion was assessed using Barthel Index score. Results: Median [interquartile range - IQR] age was 83 [74-87] years and 60% of participants were male. The median [IQR] time spent inactive and in PA was 485 [404-563] and 177 [114-255] minutes/day, respectively. PA was distributed into three peak periods during the day: between 8 and 10 am, at 12 am and at 6 pm. Approximately 50% of patients were considered physically active. Stepwise logistic regression identified Barthel index [odds ratio and (95% confidence interval) for increase in category [1.85 (1.09-3.14)], prescription of sedatives [0.31 (0.12-0.80)] and prescription of physiotherapy [2.16 (1.08-4.58)] as significantly and independently associated with inactivity. Conclusion: Elderly hospitalized patients are physically active only one quarter of the day and concentrate their PA around eating periods. A Barthel Index below 91 could be used to identify patients at risk of physical inactivity.