Feasibility Study of a Post-hospitalization Self-rehabilitation Program for Elderly Suffering of Sarcopenia

Feasibility Study of a Post-hospitalization Self-rehabilitation Program for Elderly Suffering of Sarcopenia

Loss of autonomy among elderly during and after hospitalisation is a well-known problem. Patient suffering of sarcopenia (decreasing in muscle mass and function) are more likely not to recover their previous autonomy.

Studies have shown that physical exercise, especially resistance exercises, is the most efficient known treatment of sarcopenia. Several institution-based rehabilitation programs had been implemented in this purpose.

On the other hand, some studies have shown that home-based self-rehabilitation can be as efficient as institution-based rehabilitation, for example in stroke, cardiac failure and COPD rehabilitation.

The investigators propose to set up a home-based self-rehabilitation program to fight against sarcopenia and hence increasing autonomy among elderly. This study aimed to establish the feasibility of such a program.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients aged 70 or older
• Non-institutionnalised patients
• Patients suffering of sarcopenia during hospitalisation (assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery, Bio-Impedance analysis and griptest)
• Patients hospitalised in the service of Internal Medicine of Institut Mutualiste Montsouris
• Patients returning at home after hospitalisation
• Patients who gave their written consent
• Patients who benefits from a social security coverage

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients suffering from a severe medical condition not allowing them to follow a physical exercise program
• Palliative care patients
• Patients without the musculo-squelettic capacity to follow the program : 4/4 on seated postural stability scale ; no motor deficit on lower limb muscular testing ; quadricipital locking when standing
• Patients with severe cognitive disorders (according to MMSE score adapted to socio-cultural level and age)
• Patients who live more than 150 km away
• Patients following specific physiotherapy