Improvement in aerobic fitness during rehabilitation after hip fracture.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of an upper-body exercise program on cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults with hip fracture during inpatient rehabilitation.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial using a convenience sample.


METHODS
An inpatient rehabilitation unit.


METHODS
Twenty older patients (age, 81.3+/-7.2y; 14 women).


METHODS
Patients were randomly assigned to a control group (n=10) or a training group (n=10). Both groups attended physical and occupational therapy sessions 5 times a week during rehabilitation (mean length of stay, 32.9+/-5.3d). Patients in the training program used an arm crank ergometer 3 times a week for 4 weeks.


METHODS
Peak oxygen consumption (Vo(2)peak).


RESULTS
Vo(2)peak increased significantly in the training group (8.9+/-1.4 to 10.8+/-1.7mL x kg(-1) x min(-1)) and did not change in the control group (8.9+/-1.2 to 8.8+/-1.6mL x kg(-1).min(-1)). At discharge, both groups were significantly improved in all functional outcome measures (Timed Up & Go [TUG] test, Berg Balance Scale [BBS], FIM instrument, two-minute walk test [2MWT], and ten-minute walk test [10MWT]). The training group performed significantly better in mobility (TUG, 2MWT, 10MWT) and balance (BBS) compared with the control group. There was a significant correlation between Vo(2)peak and the 2MWT (r=.81) and 10MWT (r=.85) in the training group at discharge.


CONCLUSIONS
The upper-body exercise program had a significant effect on aerobic power. Our results suggest that aerobic endurance exercise should be integrated into standard rehabilitation to enhance patients' aerobic fitness and mobility after hip fracture surgery.
Mendelsohn
Marissa E
ME
School of Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
Overend
Tom J
TJ
Connelly
Denise M
DM
Petrella
Robert J
RJ
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D010807:Physical Endurance; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012016:Reference Values; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity