Effects of a subacute high-intensity rehabilitation program in older adult inpatients following intramedullary nailing for hip fractures.

BACKGROUND

Subacute high-intensity rehabilitation programs play an important role in improving impairments and functional limitations in older adults who undergo hip fracture surgery. However, the effects of subacute high-intensive rehabilitation after intramedullary nailing have not been conclusively verified.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the effects of subacute high-intensity rehabilitation on pain, motor function, and activities of daily living (ADL) in older adult inpatients after intramedullary nailing for hip fractures.

METHODS

This study included 37 older adult inpatients who had undergone intramedullary nailing for hip fractures at a restorative rehabilitation facility. All patients participated in a subacute high-intensity rehabilitation program consisting of 208 sessions (6-8 sessions/day, 30 min/session, 7 days/week) over 4 weeks during hospitalization. Dependent variables including pain, lower extremity muscle strength, balance, functional ambulation ability, and ADL, were assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI), respectively. A paired t-test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The subacute high-intensity rehabilitation program resulted in significant differences in all dependent variables, including NRS, MMT, BBS, FAC, and MBI scores between the pre- and post-intervention (p < 0.001 to = 0.037).

CONCLUSION

This program improved physical function and independence in older adults after intramedullary nailing for hip fractures. Early implementation of such programs is recommended to enhance recovery, reduce hospital stays, and facilitate a quicker return to daily life.