The Effect of a Combined Personalized Nutritional Intervention and a Personalized Graded Activity Functional Training Program on Physical Performance in Hospitalized Older Patients, Compared to Usual Care: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Rationale: The older hospitalized population is growing and specifically at risk for decreased muscle mass and physical functioning and has a negative influence on activities of daily living, independence, quality of life, re-admissions, and nursing home placement. Current knowledge shows that a physical activity training programs consisting of tailored resistance and endurance exercise can improve muscle mass in healthy elderly. Nutritional interventions in conjunction with physical activity based on individual protein requirements, high quality protein and timing of protein intake can further stimulate muscle protein synthesis. The effect of a combined nutritional intervention with physical activity in healthy individuals and athletes has been studied before, but not in older hospitalized patients. A personalized combined physical activity program and a nutritional intervention could be a solution and is an exciting emerging field of research with the potential to dramatically improve patient outcomes.

The average hospital admittance is 4 to 5 days in which the prevention of the decline in muscle mass and physical performance can be initiated but not improved. Thus, the translation of a prolonged combined intervention to home care is essential. To support the combined personalized nutritional intervention and physical exercise intervention during hospitalization and home care, an eHealth application for and with older patients can be beneficial.

Objective: This project aims to improve physical performance in older patients, by offering a personalized combined nutritional intervention with a physical activity training program. The intervention starts at hospital admittance, and is continued after discharge in the home care setting, supported by an e-health application.

Study design: The study will be performed as a randomized clinical trial. Study population: The study population hospitalized adult patients of ≥65 years, living in the Nijmegen area within the Radboud University Medical Centre.

Intervention: One group receives a personalized nutritional intervention by a dietician combines with a functional training program by physical therapists. The nutritional intervention focuses on adequate protein intake, type, and timing of protein. The exercise program will make use of goal setting throughout the intervention period to optimize the training effect . The control group will receive usual care.