A simple physical activity such as walking was found to prevent the physical decline caused by prolonged bed rest in the elderly. A new study has found that walking as little as 25 minutes a day makes a big difference in older patients.Even a short 25-minute walk can make a big difference.
When discharged from the hospital, debilitated elderly patients are more likely to have an accident or develop complications requiring readmission, require care in a nursing home, and are at higher risk of even death. This increased level of vulnerability is referred to as the post-hospital syndrome. An international research team led by scientists at Spain’s University of Seville recently set out to determine how necessary in-hospital exercise is to protect patients from such a fall.
Nineteen studies involving 3,783 patients aged 55 to 87 years were ultimately included in the study. On average, patients stayed in hospital for seven days and were followed up for 68 days after discharge. All of them could move unaided. It turned out that the minimum dose to counter the debilitating effect of bed rest was 25 minutes of walking a day. Optimum doses were around 50 and 70 minutes, respectively.
The funny thing is, more was not better. That’s because more than 60 minutes of moderate activity or 90 minutes of light activity didn’t seem to have any additional benefits, according to research results. In addition, it was also noted that patients who exercise were less prone to injury.
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