Assisted early mobility for hospitalized older veterans: preliminary data from the STRIDE program

Area of Science:

• Geriatrics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Hospital Medicine

Background:

• Hospital-associated disability is often caused by immobility.
• Older adults are particularly vulnerable to immobility during hospitalization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the STRIDE program, a supervised walking intervention for hospitalized older adults.
• To assess the feasibility, safety, and impact on discharge disposition of the STRIDE program.

Main Methods:

• STRIDE involved gait and balance assessment by physical therapists and daily supervised walks by recreation therapy assistants.
• Compared 92 STRIDE participants with 35 individuals receiving usual care.
• Outcomes included length of stay, inpatient falls, discharge disposition, and 30-day emergency department visits and readmissions.

Main Results:

• 92% of STRIDE participants were discharged home versus 74% of the usual care group (P = .007).
• No significant difference in length of stay, inpatient falls, or 30-day readmission rates.
• The program was feasible and safe, with one fall in each group.

Conclusions:

• STRIDE is a feasible and safe supervised walking program for hospitalized older adults.
• STRIDE participation was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of discharge to home.
• STRIDE represents a promising interdisciplinary approach to enhance mobility and improve outcomes in hospitalized older adults.