Very low levels of physical activity among patients hospitalized following hip fracture surgery: a prospective cohort study

Purpose

The evidence supports early and intensive mobilization and physical activity for patients who are hospitalized following hip fracture. The objectives were to determine levels of physical activity among patients hospitalized following hip fracture surgery, and to explore the association between levels of physical activity and 30-day post-discharge readmission, and mortality. 

Materials and methods

We collected data at two university hospitals in Denmark from March-June 2023. Patients were included on postoperative day (POD) 1 to 3. 24-h upright time was measured from inclusion to discharge using a thigh-worn accelerometer. 30-day readmission and mortality were verified by patient records. 

Results

101 patients with a mean (SD) age of 79.9(8.4) years were included. The median (IQR) 24-h upright time on POD2-6 ranged from 15(7:31) to a maximum of 34(16:67) mins. Within 30 days after discharge, 25 patients(25%) were readmitted or referred to an emergency ward and 3(3%) patients died (no clear association with upright time). 

Conclusions

For patients hospitalized following hip-fracture surgery, the level of physical activity seems extremely low the first week, but it does not seem to influence the rate of readmissions. Considering evidence supporting physical activity during acute hospitalization, the low activity level in these patients calls for action. 

Clinicaltrials.gov-identifier

NCT05756517.