title: Randomized controlled trial of the effect of additional functional exercise during slow-stream rehabilitation in a regional center.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate whether adding functional exercise training to standard physiotherapy during residential slow-stream rehabilitation (SSR) improves discharge outcomes and functional ability.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  A regional hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Older people (N=60) admitted to SSR.
  
  
  METHODS
  All participants received standard physiotherapy. An individualized functional incidental training (FIT) program was implemented for intervention participants consisting of 4 extra episodes of functional exercise daily for the period of SSR. Research assistants visited twice weekly to practice and progress FIT programs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Outcome measures included discharge destination, participant-expected discharge destination, and functional tests of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI), and 5 times sit-to-stand test (FTSTS) at admission and discharge.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-two participants completed the study. At baseline, the SSR group achieved higher scores on the BBS, DEMMI, and FTSTS. There was no significant difference in discharge destination between groups (P=.305). The difference in functional change between groups from admission to discharge on the BBS, DEMMI, and FTSTS was not significant. Participant-expected discharge destination was significantly associated with eventual discharge destination (χ1(2)=8.40, P=.004).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Adding FIT to standard physiotherapy did not improve discharge outcomes and did not have a statistically significant effect on function, but may have a small effect on balance. Patient expected and actual discharge destinations were associated.
authors.affiliation: La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address: cparker@bendigohealth.org.au.
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.affiliation: Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.affiliation: Inglewood and Districts Health Service, Inglewood, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cobden
authors.affiliation: La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Davidson
authors.affiliation: Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: McBurney
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004856:Postural Balance; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers
keywords: Aged; Exercise therapy; Frail elderly; Physical therapists; Rehabilitation; Residential facilities