Comprehensive rehabilitation at Beitostølen Healthsports Centre: influence on mental and physical functioning

To characterize the mental and physical functioning of subjects admitted to Beitostølen Healthsports Centre, and evaluate whether functioning was improved during rehabilitation.

A total of 228 subjects admitted for rehabilitation completed the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 12 (SF-12) on admission and on discharge after approximately 4 weeks. A total of 174 subjects also completed SF-12 3 months after discharge. The physical and mental sum scores and the scores for the 8 subscales of SF-12 were calculated. In a stepwise backward multiple regression model, demographic and medical factors influencing improvement during rehabilitation were explored.

Physical, as well as mental, functioning was reduced on admission. Bodily pain and emotional factors represented the most dominant components. Both physical and mental functioning improved during the stay, and the improvement in physical functioning remained stable 3 months after discharge. The improvement in physical functioning was greatest for those subjects living in urban areas and having a painful musculoskeletal diagnosis. The improvement in mental functioning was greatest for females.

This approach to rehabilitation appears to be effective for improving physical functioning in the relevant group of individuals. However, carefully controlled studies with longer follow-up periods are required.