Romera L, Orfila F, Segura JM, et al.
BMC Geriatr 2014;14:125
Publication date: November 27, 2014
Summary
Frailty is a highly prevalent condition in old age leading to vulnerability and greater risk of adverse health outcomes and disability. Detecting and tackling frailty at an early stage can prevent disability.
The authors present the rationale and design of a study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of a multifactorial intervention program to modify frailty parameters, muscle strength, and physical and cognitive performance in people aged 65 years or more. The study also assesses changes from baseline in falls, hospitalizations, nutritional risk, disability, institutionalization and home care.
The authors are conducting a randomized, single-blind, parallel-group clinical trial, with a one and a half year follow-up, in eight Primary Health Care Centers located in the city of Barcelona. Individuals who were 65 years of age or older with positive frailty screening, timed get-up-and-go test between 10 to 30 seconds, and Cognition Mini-Exam (MEC-35) of Lobo greater than or equal to 18 are included.
A total of 352 patients are equally divided into two groups: intervention and control. The sample size was calculated to detect a 0.5 unit difference in the Short Physical Performance Battery (Common SD: 1.42, 20% lost to follow-up). The evaluated intervention comprises three different actions on frailty dimensions: rehabilitative therapy plus intake of hyperproteic nutritional shakes, memory workshop, and medication review are applied to sets of 16 patients. Participants in both the intervention and the control groups receive recommendations on nutrition, healthy lifestyles and home risks. Evaluations are blinded and conducted at 0, 3, and 18 months. Intention to treat analyses will be performed. Multivariate analysis will be carried out to assess time changes of dependent variables.
It is expected that this study will provide evidence of the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary intervention on delaying the progression from frailty to disability in the elderly. It will help improve the individual’s quality of life and also reduce the rates of falls, hospital admissions, and institutionalizations, thus making the health care system more efficient. This preventive intervention can be adapted to diverse settings and be routinely included in Primary Care Centers as a Preventive Health Program.