Open Access
Dose-response relationship between exercise duration and enhanced function and cognition in acutely hospitalized older adults: a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical Trial
(Oxford University Press, 2024-06-01) López Sáez de Asteasu, Mikel; Martínez Velilla, Nicolás; Zambom Ferraresi, Fabrício; Galbete Jiménez, Arkaitz; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Lusa Cadore, Eduardo; Abizanda, Pedro; Gómez-Pavón, Javier; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Estadística, Informática y Matemáticas; Estatistika, Informatika eta Matematika; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Background and objectives: exercise may reverse functional decline in hospitalized older adults, but the optimal duration is unclear. This study examined the potential relationship between in-hospital multicomponent exercise program duration and changes in physical function, cognition, and muscle function to maximize exercise-related health benefits in acutely hospitalized older patients. Research design and methods: this secondary analysis of a multicenter randomized controlled trial examined the relationship between the duration of an in-hospital multicomponent exercise program and changes in physical function, cognition, and muscle strength in 570 acutely hospitalized older adults. Participants completed 3, 4, or 5-7 consecutive days of exercise based on the progression of their acute medical illness. The acute clinical condition of the older patients was similar across the study groups (i.e., 3/4/5-7 days) at admission. Outcomes included the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) for functional capacity, Gait Velocity Test for gait speed, handgrip for muscle strength, and cognitive tests. Results: of the 570 patients included in the analysis, 298 were women (52.3%), and the mean (SD) age was 87.3 (4.8) years. Exercise groups increased SPPB scores compared with controls, with gains of 1.09 points after three days, 1.97 points after four days, and 2.02 points after 5-7 days (p < .001). The 4-day program showed the most significant benefit for functional capacity. Gait velocity increased by 0.11 m/s after 4 and 5-7 days (p = .032). Similar dose-response relationships were seen for handgrip strength and cognition, with 5-7 days showing more significant gains than three days (p < .05). Discussion and implications: multicomponent exercise programs enhance physical and cognitive function in hospitalized older adults, regardless of exercise dosage. A 4-day program significantly boosts functional capacity, although 5-7 days improves handgrip strength and cognition, highlighting the importance of exercise dosage in countering functional decline. Implementing evidence-based inpatient exercise prescriptions can help reverse muscle weakness and improve cognitive and physical function.
Open Access
Effects of Vivifrail multicomponent intervention on functional capacity: a multicentre, randomized controlled trial
(Wiley Open Access, 2022) Casas Herrero, Álvaro; Sáez de Asteasu, Mikel L.; Antón Rodrigo, Iván; Sánchez Sánchez, Juan Luis; Montero Odasso, Manuel; Marín Epelde, Itxaso; Ramón Espinoza, Fernanda; Zambom Ferraresi, Fabrício; Petidier Torregrosa, Roberto; Elexpuru Estomba, Jaione; Álvarez Bustos, Alejandro; Galbete Jiménez, Arkaitz; Martínez Velilla, Nicolás; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Background: physical exercise is an effective strategy for preserving functional capacity and improving the symptoms of frailty in older adults. In addition to functional gains, exercise is considered to be a cornerstone for enhancing cognitive function in frail older adults with cognitive impairment and dementia. We assessed the effects of the Vivifrail exercise intervention for functional capacity, cognition, and well-being status in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: in a multicentre randomized controlled trial conducted in three tertiary hospitals in Spain, a total of 188 older patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia (aged >75 years) were randomly assigned to an exercise intervention (n = 88) or a usual-care, control (n = 100) group. The intervention was based on the Vivifrail tailored multicomponent exercise programme, which included resistance, balance, flexibility (3 days/week), and gait-retraining exercises (5 days/week) and was performed for three consecutive months (http://vivifrail.com). The usual-care group received habitual outpatient care. The main endpoint was change in functional capacity from baseline to 1 and 3 months, assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Secondary endpoints were changes in cognitive function and handgrip strength after 1 and 3 months, and well-being status, falls, hospital admission rate, visits to the emergency department, and mortality after 3 months. Results: the Vivifrail exercise programme provided significant benefits in functional capacity over usual-care. The mean adherence to the exercise sessions was 79% in the first month and 68% in the following 2 months. The intervention group showed a mean increase (over the control group) of 0.86 points on the SPPB scale (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32, 1.41 points; P < 0.01) after 1 month of intervention and 1.40 points (95% CI 0.82, 1.98 points; P < 0.001) after 3 months. Participants in the usual-care group showed no significant benefit in functional capacity (mean change of −0.17 points [95% CI −0.54, 0.19 points] after 1 month and −0.33 points [95% CI −0.70, 0.04 points] after 3 months), whereas the exercise intervention reversed this trend (0.69 points [95% CI 0.29, 1.09 points] after 1 month and 1.07 points [95% CI 0.63, 1.51 points] after 3 months). Exercise group also obtained significant benefits in cognitive function, muscle function, and depression after 3 months over control group (P < 0.05). No between-group differences were obtained in other secondary endpoints (P > 0.05). Conclusions: the Vivifrail exercise training programme is an effective and safe therapy for improving functional capacity in community-dwelling frail/prefrail older patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia and also seems to have beneficial effect on cognition, muscle function, and mood status.
Open Access
Effect of exercise intervention on functional decline in very elderly patients during acute hospitalization: a randomized clinical trial
(American Medical Association, 2018) Martínez Velilla, Nicolás; Casas Herrero, Álvaro; Zambom Ferraresi, Fabrício; López Sáez de Asteasu, Mikel; Lucía, Alejandro; Galbete Jiménez, Arkaitz; García Baztán, Agurne; Alonso Renedo, Javier; González Glaría, Belén; Gonzalo Lázaro, María; Apezteguía Iráizoz, Itziar; Gutiérrez Valencia, Marta; Rodríguez Mañas, Leocadio; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Importance: Functional decline is prevalent among acutely hospitalized older patients. Exercise and early rehabilitation protocols applied during acute hospitalization can prevent functional and cognitive decline in older patients. Objective: To assess the effects of an innovative multicomponent exercise intervention on the functional status of this patient population. Design, Setting, and Participants: A single-center, single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted from February 1, 2015, to August 30, 2017, in an acute care unit in a tertiary public hospital in Navarra, Spain. A total of 370 very elderly patients undergoing acute-care hospitalization were randomly assigned to an exercise or control (usual-care) intervention. Intention-to-treat analysis was conducted. Interventions: The control group received usual-care hospital care, which included physical rehabilitation when needed. The in-hospital intervention included individualized moderate-intensity resistance, balance, and walking exercises (2 daily sessions). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was change in functional capacity from baseline to hospital discharge, assessed with the Barthel Index of independence and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Secondary end points were changes in cognitive and mood status, quality of life, handgrip strength, incident delirium, length of stay, falls, transfer after discharge, and readmission rate and mortality at 3 months after discharge. Results: Of the 370 patients included in the analyses, 209 were women (56.5%); mean (SD) age was 87.3 (4.9) years. The median length of hospital stay was 8 days in both groups (interquartile range, 4 and 4 days, respectively). Median duration of the intervention was 5 days (interquartile range, 0); there was a mean (SD) of 5 (1) morning and 4 (1) evening sessions per patient. No adverse effects were observed with the intervention. The exercise intervention program provided significant benefits over usual care. At discharge, the exercise group showed a mean increase of 2.2 points (95% CI, 1.7-2.6 points) on the SPPB scale and 6.9 points (95% CI, 4.4-9.5 points) on the Barthel Index over the usual-care group. Hospitalization led to an impairment in functional capacity (mean change from baseline to discharge in the Barthel Index of -5.0 points (95% CI, -6.8 to -3.2 points) in the usual-care group, whereas the exercise intervention reversed this trend (1.9 points; 95% CI, 0.2-3.7 points). The intervention also improved the SPPB score (2.4 points; 95% CI, 2.1-2.7 points) vs 0.2 points; 95% CI, -0.1 to 0.5 points in controls). Significant intervention benefits were also found at the cognitive level of 1.8 points (95% CI, 1.3-2.3 points) over the usual-care group. Conclusions and Relevance: The exercise intervention proved to be safe and effective to reverse the functional decline associated with acute hospitalization in very elderly patients. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02300896.
Open Access
Assessing the impact of physical exercise on cognitive function in older medical patients during acute hospitalization: secondary analysis of a randomized trial
(PLoS, 2019) López Sáez de Asteasu, Mikel; Martínez Velilla, Nicolás; Zambom Ferraresi, Fabrício; Casas Herrero, Álvaro; Lusa Cadore, Eduardo; Galbete Jiménez, Arkaitz; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Background: Acute illness requiring hospitalization frequently is a sentinel event leading to long-term disability in older people. Prolonged bed rest increases the risk of developing cognitive impairment and dementia in acutely hospitalized older adults. Exercise protocols applied during acute hospitalization can prevent functional decline in older patients, but exercise benefits on specific cognitive domains have not been previously investigated. We aimed to assess the effects of a multicomponent exercise intervention for cognitive function in older adults during acute hospitalization. Methods and findings: We performed a secondary analysis of a single-blind randomized clinical trial (RCT) conducted from February 1, 2015, to August 30, 2017 in an Acute Care of the Elderly (ACE) unit in a tertiary public hospital in Navarre (Spain). 370 hospitalized patients (aged ≥75 years) were randomly allocated to an exercise intervention (n = 185) or a control (n = 185) group (usual care). The intervention consisted of a multicomponent exercise training program performed during 5–7 consecutive days (2 sessions/day). The usual care group received habitual hospital care, which included physical rehabilitation when needed. The main outcomes were change in executive function from baseline to discharge, assessed with the dual-task (i.e., verbal and arithmetic) Gait Velocity Test (GVT) and the Trail Making Test Part A (TMT-A). Changes in the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) test and verbal fluency ability were also measured after the intervention period. The physical exercise program provided significant benefits over usual care. At discharge, the exercise group showed a mean increase of 0.1 m/s (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07, 0.13; p < 0.001) in the verbal GVT and 0.1 m/s (95% CI, 0.08, 0.13; p < 0.001) in the arithmetic GVT over usual care group. There was an apparent improvement in the intervention group also in the TMT-A score (−31.1 seconds; 95% CI, −49.5, −12.7 versus −3.13 seconds; 95% CI, −16.3, 10.2 in the control group; p < 0.001) and the MMSE score (2.10 points; 95% CI, 1.75, 2.46 versus 0.27 points; 95% CI, −0.08, 0.63; p < 0.001). Significant benefits were also observed in the exercise group for the verbal fluency test (mean 2.16 words; 95% CI, 1.56, 2.74; p < 0.001) over the usual care group. The main limitations of the study were patients’ difficulty in completing all the tasks at both hospital admission and discharge (e.g., 25% of older patients were unable to complete the arithmetic GVT, and 47% could not complete the TMT-A), and only old patients with relatively good functional capacity at preadmission (i.e., Barthel Index score ≥60 points) were included in the study. Conclusions: An individualized, multicomponent exercise training program may be an effective therapy for improving cognitive function (i.e., executive function and verbal fluency domains) in very old patients during acute hospitalization. These findings support the need for a shift from the traditional (bedrest-based) hospitalization to one that recognizes the important role of maintaining functional capacity and cognitive function in older adults, key components of intrinsic capacity.
Open Access
Short-term multicomponent exercise impact on muscle function and structure in hospitalized older at risk of acute sarcopenia
(Wiley, 2024-10-13) López Sáez de Asteasu, Mikel; Martínez Velilla, Nicolás; Zambom Ferraresi, Fabrício; García Alonso, Yesenia; Galbete Jiménez, Arkaitz; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Lusa Cadore, Eduardo; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Estadística, Informática y Matemáticas; Estatistika, Informatika eta Matematika; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Background. Hospitalization exacerbates sarcopenia and physical dysfunction in older adults. Whether tailored inpatient exercise prevents acute sarcopenia is unknown. This study aimed to examine the effect of a multicomponent exercise programme on muscle and physical function in hospitalized older adults. We hypothesized that participation in a brief tailored exercise regimen (i.e., 3–5 days) would attenuate muscle function and structure changes compared with usual hospital care alone. Methods. This randomized clinical trial with blinded outcome assessment was conducted from May 2018 to April 2021 at Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Spain. Participants were 130 patients aged 75 years and older admitted to an acute care geriatric unit. Patients were randomized to a tailored 3- to 5-day exercise programme (n = 64) or usual hospital care (control, n = 66) consisting of physical therapy if needed. The coprimary endpoints were between-group differences in changes in short physical performance battery (SPPB) score and usual gait velocity from hospital admission to discharge. Secondary endpoints included changes in rectus femoris echo intensity, cross-sectional area, thickness and subcutaneous and intramuscular fat by ultrasound. Results. Among 130 randomized patients (mean [SD] age, 87.7 [4.6] years; 57 [44%] women), the exercise group increased their mean SPPB score by 0.98 points (95% CI, 0.28–1.69 points) and gait velocity by 0.09 m/s (95% CI, 0.03–0.15 m/s) more than controls (both p < 0.01). No between-group differences were observed in any ultrasound muscle outcomes. There were no study-related adverse events. Conclusions. Three to 5 days of tailored multicomponent exercise provided functional benefits but did not alter muscle or fat architecture compared with usual hospital care alone among vulnerable older patients. Brief exercise may help prevent acute sarcopenia during hospitalization.
Open Access
Effects of game-based interventions on functional capacity in acutely hospitalised older adults: results of an open-label non-randomised clinical trial
(Oxford University Press, 2022-01-23) Cuevas Lara, César; López Sáez de Asteasu, Mikel; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Zambom Ferraresi, Fabíola; Antoñanzas Valencia, Cristina; Galbete Jiménez, Arkaitz; Zambom Ferraresi, Fabrício; Martínez Velilla, Nicolás; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Estadística, Informática y Matemáticas; Estatistika, Informatika eta Matematika; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Background: Hospitalisation-associated disability due to reduced physical activity levels and prolonged bedrest episodes are highly prevalent in older adults. Objective: To assess the effect of gamified interventions on functional capacity in hospitalised older adults. Methods: A three-armed non-randomised controlled trial with two experimental intervention groups and a control group was conducted in a tertiary public hospital in Navarre, Spain. Participants were allocated to a simple gamification group (SGG) (n = 21), a technology-based gamification group (TGG) (n = 23) or a control group (CG) (n = 26). The end points were changes in functional capacity, muscle strength, cognition, mood status and quality of life. Results: Seventy patients (mean age 86.01 ± 4.27 years old) were included in the study; 29 (41.4%) were women. At discharge, compared to CG, a mean increase of 1.47 points (95%CI, 0.15–2.80 points) and 2.69 points (95%CI, 1.32–4.06 points) was observed (SGG and TGG, respectively) in the SPPB test; as well as an increase of 5.28 points (95%CI, 0.70–9.76 points) in the Barthel Index and 2.03 kg (95%CI, 0.33–3.72 kg) in handgrip strength in the TGG. Regression mediation analyses demonstrated that muscle strength changes (β = 1.30; 95%CI, 0.45–2.14; indirect effect 0.864; 95%CI, 0.09–1.90) significantly mediated the TGG effect on the SPPB score. Conclusions: The TGG intervention programme may provide significant benefits in physical and muscle function over usual care and seems to reverse the functional decline frequently associated with acute hospitalisation in older adults.
Open Access
Postoperative physical rehabilitation in the elderly patient after emergency surgery: influence on functional, cognitive and quality of live recovery: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial
(BMC, 2024) Esquiroz Lizaur, Irene; Zambom Ferraresi, Fabrício; Zambom Ferraresi, Fabíola; Ollo Martínez, Iranzu; Casa Marín, Antón de la; Martínez Velilla, Nicolás; Recreo Baquedano, Ana; Galbete Jiménez, Arkaitz; González Álvarez, Gregorio; Yárnoz Irazábal, María Concepción; Eguaras Córdoba, Inés; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Background: the progressive aging of the population has meant the increase in elderly patients requiring an urgent surgery. Older adults, especially those with frailty, have a higher risk for complications, functional and cognitive decline after urgent surgery. These patients have their functional and physiological reserve reduced which makes them more vulnerable to the effects of being bedridden. The consequences are at multiple levels emphasizing the functional loss or cognitive impairment, longer stays, mortality and institutionalization, delirium, poor quality of life and increased use of resources related to health. We aim to determine whether postoperative physical rehabilitation can prevent functional and cognitive decline and modify the posterior trajectory. Methods/design: this study is a randomized clinical trial, simple blinded, conducted in the Department of Surgery of a tertiary public hospital in Navarra (Hospital Universitario de Navarra), Spain. Patients > = 70 years old undergoing urgent abdominal surgery who meet inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. The intervention will consist of a multicomponent physical training programme, which will include progressive and supervised endurance, resistance and balance training for 4 weeks, twice weekly sessions with a total of 8 sessions, and the group control will receive the usual care. The primary outcome measure is the change in functional (SPPB) and cognitive status (Mini-Mental State Examination) and the change of quality of life (EuroQol-5D-VAS) during the study period. The secondary outcomes are postoperative complications, length of stay, delirium, mortality, use of health resources, functional status (Barthel Index and handgrip strength tests), cost per quality-adjusted life year and mininutritional assessment. The data for both the intervention group and the control group will be obtained at four different times: the initial visit during hospital admission and at months 1, 3 and 6 months after hospital discharge. Discussion: If our hypothesis is correct, this project could show that individualized and progressive exercise programme provides effective therapy for improving the functional capacity and achieve a better functional, cognitive and quality of life recovery. This measure, without entailing a significant expense for the administration, probably has an important repercussion both in the short- and long-term recovery, improving care and functional parameters and could determine a lower subsequent need for health resources. To verify this, we will carry out a cost-effectiveness study. The clinical impact of this trial can be significant if we help to modify the traditional management of the elderly patients from an illness model to a more person-centred and functionally oriented perspective. Moreover, the prescription of individualized exercise can be routinely included in the clinical practice of these patients. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05290532. Version 1. Registered on March 13, 2022.
Open Access
The impact of loneliness and social isolation on the benefits of an exercise program with hospitalised older adults
(Elsevier, 2024-06-03) Martínez Velilla, Nicolás; López Sáez de Asteasu, Mikel; Zambom Ferraresi, Fabrício; Galbete Jiménez, Arkaitz; Marín Epelde, Itxaso; Ferrara, Maria Cristina; Yanguas-Lezáun, José Javier; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Estadística, Informática y Matemáticas; Estatistika, Informatika eta Matematika
Objectives: this study aimed to assess the prevalence and impact of loneliness (De Jong Gierveld scale) and isolation (Lubben scale) on the effects of a hospital-based exercise programme. Design: secondary analysis of a randomised clinical trial. Setting: Acute Geriatric Unit of a tertiary hospital in Spain. Participants: 103 hospitalised older adults. Intervention: individualised multicomponent exercise program (20-minute sessions twice a day for 3 consecutive days). Results: among the 103 randomised patients included in the analysis (both arms included), 58.3% were male, and their mean age was 87.3 (4.5) years. According to the Lubben scale, 15.8% of patients were at risk of isolation, while 62.7% were in a situation of severe or moderate loneliness according to the De Jong Gierveld scale. In the non-isolated group, training showed a substantial positive impact on Geriatric Depression Scale (B = -1.25, 95% CI = -0.24 to -0.27). In the isolated group, all outcomes improved, but only the Quality of Life showed significant changes (B = 35, 95% CI = 4.96-35.8). The SPPB test (B = 1.62, 95% CI = 0.19-3.04) and Quality of Life, (B = 17.1, 95% CI = 1.84-32.3) showed a significant improvement in the non-loneliness exercise group while no differences were found in the loneliness group. Conclusion: despite the high prevalence of loneliness and social isolation, individualised exercise programs provide significant benefits to hospitalised patients, especially in quality of life.
Open Access
Specific multimorbidity patterns modify the impact of an exercise intervention in older hospitalized adults
(SAGE, 2022) Martínez Velilla, Nicolás; Galbete Jiménez, Arkaitz; Roso Llorach, Albert; Zambom Ferraresi, Fabrício; López Sáez de Asteasu, Mikel; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Vetrano, Davide L.; Calderón Larrañaga, Amaia; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Background: Different multimorbidity patterns present with different prognoses, but it is unknown to what extent they may influence the effectiveness of an individualized multicomponent exercise program offered to hospitalized older adults. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial conducted in the Department of Geriatric Medicine of a tertiary hospital. In addition to the standard care, an exercise-training multicomponent program was delivered to the intervention group during the acute hospitalization period. Multimorbidity patterns were determined through fuzzy c-means cluster analysis, over 38 chronic diseases. Functional, cognitive and affective outcomes were considered. Results: Three hundred and six patients were included in the analyses (154 control; 152 intervention), with a mean age of 87.2 years, and 58.5% being female. Four patterns of multimorbidity were identified: heart valves and prostate diseases (26.8%); metabolic diseases and colitis (20.6%); psychiatric, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases (16%); and an unspecific pattern (36.6%). The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test improved across all patterns, but the intervention was most effective for patients in the metabolic/colitis pattern (2.48-point difference between intervention/control groups, 95% CI 1.60-3.35). Regarding the Barthel Index and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the differences were significant for all multimorbidity patterns, except for the psychiatric/cardio/autoimmune pattern. Differences concerning quality of life were especially high for the psychiatric/cardio/autoimmune pattern (16.9-point difference between intervention/control groups, 95% CI 4.04, 29.7). Conclusions: Patients in all the analyzed multimorbidity patterns improved with this tailored program, but the improvement was highest for those in the metabolic pattern. Understanding how different chronic disease combinations are associated with specific functional and cognitive responses to a multicomponent exercise intervention may allow further tailoring such interventions to older patients’ clinical profile.
Open Access
Tailored prevention of functional decline through a multicomponent exercise program in hospitalized oncogeriatric patients: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial
(Elsevier, 2023) Martínez Velilla, Nicolás; Arrazubi, Virginia; Zambom Ferraresi, Fabíola; Morilla Ruiz, Idoia; López Sáez de Asteasu, Mikel; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Zambom Ferraresi, Fabrício; Casa Marín, Antón de la; Ollo Martínez, Iranzu; Gorospe-García, Itziar; Gurruchaga Sotés, Ibon; Galbete Jiménez, Arkaitz; Cedeño Veloz, Bernardo Abel; Martín-Nevado, L.; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Vera García, Ruth; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Estadística, Informática y Matemáticas; Estatistika, Informatika eta Matematika
BACKGROUND: Cancer mostly affects older adults, causing a wide variety of diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. One of the most important moments in cancer patients is the hospitalization period, in which older patients usually remain bedridden for many hours and this may lead to the appearance of sarcopenia and disability. METHODS: We present the research protocol for a randomized controlled trial that will analyze whether an intervention applied to older patients (≥ 65 years) who are hospitalized for acute medical conditions in an Oncology Department improves function. A total of 240 hospitalized older patients will be recruited in the Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain, and they will be randomized. The intervention consists of a multicomponent exercise training program that will take place for 4 consecutive days (2 sessions/day). The control group will receive usual hospital care, which will include physical rehabilitation when needed. The primary end point will be the change in functional capacity from baseline to hospital discharge, assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Secondary end points will be changes in cognitive and mood status, quality of life, fatigue, strength (dynamic and handgrip), pain, nutrition, length of stay, falls, readmission rate and mortality at 3 months after discharge. RESULTS: Basal data of the patients included in the RCT are described. The foreseen recruitment will not be achieved due to the context of the Covid pandemic and the significantly different responses observed during the clinical trial in oncogeriatric patients compared to our previous experience in older adults hospitalized for medical reasons. DISCUSSION: If our hypothesis is correct and shows that a multicomponent, individualized and progressive exercise program is an effective therapy for improving the capacity of acutely hospitalized older patients compared to usual care, a change in the current system of hospitalization may be justified in oncogeriatric patients.