In conclusion , decrease in muscle strength and muscle mass in older patients is dependent on the type of admission .
HIGHLIGHTSPhysical inactivity during hospitalization is associated with detrimental outcome .Muscle strength and muscle mass decreased in electively admitted older patients .Muscle strength and muscle mass did not change in acutely admitted older patients
ABSTRACT Hospitalization may induce a decrease of muscle strength and muscle mass in older patients due to physical inactivity , malnutrition and diseases , negatively affecting health outcome .
We aim ed to examine the literature on change in muscle strength and muscle mass in older patients during hospitalization .
Does additional feeding support provided by health care assistants improve nutritional status and outcome in acutely ill older in-patients?--a randomised control trial.
BACKGROUND & AIMS Malnutrition is common in the elderly and increases morbidity and mortality . Most attempts to reverse malnutrition have used liquid supplements , but the findings are inconsistent . This study tests a new approach using a r and omised-controlled design . The aim was to examine whether health care assistants , trained to provide additional support with feeding , can improve acutely ill elderly in- patients ' clinical outcomes . METHODS The study was carried out on three acute medicine for the elderly wards at Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust , London . In all , 592 patients , all over 65 years old , were recruited . RESULTS The results showed that the median time patients received feeding support was 16 days , and the assisted group was given less intravenous antibiotics  ( P=0.007 ) . However , the groups did not differ in markers of nutritional status , Barthel score , grip strength , length of stay or mortality . CONCLUSION It was concluded that the use of health care assistants in this specialised role , in an acute setting , without change to the food provision or without targeting higher risk patients , reduced the need for intravenous antibiotics . However , the intervention did not improve nutritional status or have an effect on length of stay in the time span studied . The results highlight the difficulties of improving the intake of acutely ill elderly patients during a hospital stay
In conclusion , decrease in muscle strength and muscle mass in older patients is dependent on the type of admission .
HIGHLIGHTSPhysical inactivity during hospitalization is associated with detrimental outcome .Muscle strength and muscle mass decreased in electively admitted older patients .Muscle strength and muscle mass did not change in acutely admitted older patients
ABSTRACT Hospitalization may induce a decrease of muscle strength and muscle mass in older patients due to physical inactivity , malnutrition and diseases , negatively affecting health outcome .
We aim ed to examine the literature on change in muscle strength and muscle mass in older patients during hospitalization .