Improving Quality of Life of Older Adults Through a Hospital-Based Exercise Program

Background: Almost 50 million US adults have some form of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD), affecting mobility and quality of life, costing ~$950 billion per year. Hospital for Special Surgery’s community needs assessment results indicate sedentary behavior among its older adults with MSDs.  Results indicate that only 17% of the sample was exercising per CDC guidelines.  Literature shows a connection between  physical activity (PA) and maintenance of joint health, pain relief and improved physical function/quality of life.  HSS exercise programs are geared to older individuals with MSD.

Methodology: We assessed the efficacy of our hospital-based exercise program around pain, PA level, falls and balance using self-report pre/post surveys of 132 participants. An 11-point Numeric Pain Intensity Scale quantified the intensity of muscle/joint pain. The Brief Pain Inventory examined the extent that pain impinges on aspects of QOL. Independent sample t-tests measured pre/post changes in mean pain intensity and pain interference scores. Chi-square tests compared frequency of light, moderate, and vigorous PA from pre to post-test.

Results:  Respondents reported that pain significantly (p < 0.001) decreased (57% to 49%). Statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) were found in mean pain intensity ratings (4.9 to 3.4) and also found in pain interference scores with regard to mood, general activity, walking ability, enjoyment of life (p < 0.05). Moderate PA increased (33% to 67%) significantly (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Our data suggest that exercise programs targeted to older individuals with MSDs may play important role in pain relief, improved quality of life and physical activity.