Robot-Assisted Physical Exercise in Acutely Hospitalised Geriatric Patients: Insights From the ROBUST RCT - A Case
Ann Sophia Bertelsen1,2,3, Jesper Ryg1,4,5, Tahir Masud1,2,6
1Geriatric Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
Introduction And Purpose:
Hospitalised older patients are at high risk of functional decline due to prolonged inactivity. Gerontechnology, including robot-assisted physical exercise, may support early mobilisation, but its use in acute hospital settings remains underexplored. This case report provides an in-depth insight into robot-assisted physical exercise in an older patient admitted to a geriatric department, reflecting the clinical setting of geriatric care during acute hospitalisation and highlighting real-world challenges related to engagement and adherence.
Method And Materials:
As part of an ongoing randomised controlled trial (RCT), this case report includes a 98-year-old woman randomised to active robot-assisted physical exercise. The intervention was offered twice daily during hospital stay. A structured, semi-guided interview was conducted at discharge to explore the patient's experiences, motivation, and perceived impact of the exercise. This report presents a detailed description of the intervention including exercise, progression, adherence and the patient's experience.
Results:
The patient described the exercise as engaging, mood-lifting, and beneficial. However, fatigue impacted adherence, resulting in 50% adherence. Functionally, the patient demonstrated increased independence, reflected by an improvement in Barthel Index (0-100, higher scores indicate greater independence) from 57 at admission to 69 at discharge. Chair stand test performance did not change.
Conclusion:
Based on this single case, robot-assisted physical exercise was positively perceived, even by a frail, hospitalised older patient. However, fluctuating energy levels highlight the need for flexible, patient-centred strategies. This case provides early insight into feasibility, motivation, and real-world adherence, contributing to understanding how robotic rehabilitation may support early mobilisation. Further evidence from the ongoing RCT will clarify its effectiveness in improving outcomes in this population.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05782855.
