A network-based geriatric rehabilitation programme: study design and baseline characteristics of the patients

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Abstract
The objective of this paper is to present the design and participants of an ongoing randomized controlled trial on a network-based geriatric rehabilitation programme, targeted at frail elderly persons with progressively declining health and a high risk of institutionalization. Forty-one municipalities, seven rehabilitation centres and a total of 741 frail elderly (65+years) community-living persons participated in the study. Assessments included measurements of physical capacity (balance, handgrip strength, walking speed), Functional Independence Measure, Geriatric Depression Scale, 15 Dimension quality of life questionnaire and Mini Mental State Examination. Questionnaires covered physical, social and psychological factors. The participants were old (mean age 78 years, range 65-96) and mainly female (86%). They were physically frail and most of them (66%) had experienced deterioration of health within 1 year. The majority lived alone (72%) and received regular help from other people (99%). The mean Mini Mental State Examination and Geriatric Depression Scale scores were 25.2 and 4.1 points, respectively. Depressive mood (Geriatric Depression Scale>6 points) was found in 17% and declined cognitive function (Mini Mental State Examination<24 points) in 28% of the participants. Differences between the randomized intervention and control groups were insignificant. Since the number of participants is sufficient statistically, the prospects for evaluating the effectiveness of the programme, and identifying potential benefactors, are good.