Predictors of functional ability in geriatric rehabilitation patients

This study explored the impact that motivation, cognitive status, depression, age, and physical status have on the functional ability of older adults in a rehabilitation program. The study was based on a hypothesized model and was conducted with 200 patients on a geriatric rehabilitation unit. Structural equation modeling was done to test the hypothesized model. The average age of participants was 78 years, and the majority were female, Caucasian, unmarried, and had been admitted for rehabilitation after an orthopedic event. The data fit the hypothesized model; however, only five paths were significant. Mental status was a significant predictor of function on admission and a direct and indirect predictor of function at discharge, and diagnosis and age directly predicted function at discharge.