“Did changes in KATZ activities of daily living total score and scales mediate the nursing home admissions we saw? It seemed to be the case,” Dr. Singh said. “The nursing home residents had greater decline in KATZ function and toileting [continence] scores vs. others.”
All results are based on an intent-to-treat analysis. The dropout rate was low, she said: nine HIPFIT patients and three usual-care patients did not complete follow-up.
At baseline, the community-dwelling participants were 69% female; mean age, 79 years; 83% at nutritional risk; 88% vitamin D insufficient; 90% living independently (vs. 10% in nursing homes); and 38% were cognitively impaired. A total 45% were depressed. The mean number of chronic diseases was 3.4. The usual-care group reported worse bodily pain, the only significant difference between groups. There were no adverse events, except for some musculoskeletal soreness after activity.