Physical function and health-related quality of life in older adults with or at risk of mobility disability post-discharge: 8-month follow-up of a randomised controlled trial

The objective of this study was to evaluate physical function and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) four months after cessation of a 4-month exercise intervention in 89 older adults after discharge from hospital. Linear mixed regression models were used to evaluate between group differences. Data were analyzed according to the intention-to treat principle. There was no statistically significant between group difference in the Short Physical Performance Battery (mean difference 0.5-point, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.6 to 1.5, p = 0.378). There was a statistically significant difference in favor of the intervention group in functional capacity (the six-minute walk test) (mean difference 32.9 meters, 95% CI 1.5 to 64.3, p = 0.040) and physical HRQOL (physical component summary of SF-36) (mean difference 5.9 points, 95% CI 2.0 to 9.7, p = 0.003). Interventions aiming to maintain or increase physical function and HRQOL should be encouraged in this population.