Tailored Prevention of Functional Decline through a Multicomponent Exercise Program in Hospitalized Oncogeriatric...

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Oncology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Cancer disproportionately affects older adults, presenting unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
• Hospitalization for cancer patients, especially older adults, often involves prolonged bed rest, increasing risks of sarcopenia and disability.
• The oncogeriatric population requires specialized care to mitigate treatment-related morbidities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a multicomponent exercise intervention in improving functional capacity among older adults hospitalized for acute medical conditions in an Oncology Department.
• To assess the impact of the intervention on secondary outcomes including cognitive function, mood, quality of life, and physical strength.
• To provide evidence for potential changes in hospitalization protocols for oncogeriatric patients.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial protocol involving 240 hospitalized patients aged 65 years and older.
• Intervention group received a 4-day multicomponent exercise program (2 sessions/day); control group received usual hospital care.
• Primary endpoint: change in functional capacity (Short Physical Performance Battery); secondary endpoints: cognitive/mood status, quality of life, strength, pain, nutrition, length of stay, falls, readmission, and 3-month mortality.

Main Results:

• Recruitment targets were not met due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Observed responses in oncogeriatric patients differed significantly from previous studies on older adults hospitalized for medical reasons.
• Basal data of recruited patients were described.

Conclusions:

• The study protocol was established to test a hypothesis regarding exercise benefits in oncogeriatric patients.
• If successful, the findings could support a shift towards individualized exercise programs within oncogeriatric hospitalization.
• Further research is needed to overcome recruitment barriers and confirm the intervention's effectiveness.