Lower Limb Resistance Training in Older Inpatients

Can Lower Limb Resistance Training Improve Strength, Muscle Mass and Functional Outcomes in Older Inpatients in a Post-acute Rehabilitation Unit? A Randomised Controlled Feasibility Study

The primary aim of this feasibility study is to evaluate the feasibility of delivering a PRT programme in an inpatient older person rehabilitation setting and to describe changes in lower limb strength and physical function following six weeks of resistance training and routine physiotherapy versus a control group of routine physiotherapy only in an older inpatient population.

This is a prospective, single blinded, randomised controlled feasibility study recruiting consecutive appropriate patients in this post-acute rehabilitation unit.

Feasibility outcomes including safety, recruitment, measurements, adherence, retention and satisfaction will be evaluated. There are two groups (i) exercise intervention and (ii) control. It will not be possible to blind the treating physiotherapist or the patient to the exercise intervention; hence the single (assessor) blinded design.

The study will be based in St James's Hospital, Dublin. Assessments and the delivery of the exercise intervention will be conducted in the Physiotherapy department.

Patients will be recruited in the inpatient setting. Appropriate patients will be approached, and the intervention explained to them. The patient will be given an information leaflet and 24-hours to consider involvement in the study

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients, male and female elderly inpatients 65 years.
• Patients must be medically stable.
• Patients who are able to follow one-stage commands.
• Patients must be able to give informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unstable medical condition.
• Patients who are unable to follow one-stage commands.
• Acute pain or fracture
• Patients who are unable to stand or require more than assistance of two staff to mobilise/transfer.
• Patients who have been admitted with a recent diagnosis of stroke, due to their varying patterns of recovery.