Effect of Using a Reminder to Encourage Patients to be Active During Their Hospital Stay.
This study is exploring a simple way to keep hospital patients active. Often, people in hospital, particularly those over 65, don't move around much, even when they could. This lack of activity can make them weaker and less independent, and can lead to more health issues after they leave hospital. Walking for just 25-40 minutes a day has been shown to be really helpful. Since hospitals might not have enough staff to help everyone get active, this research is testing a vibrating watch. The watch would gently remind patients to do exercises or walk. The goal is to see if this easy-to-use reminder can help patients stay stronger and recover better, without needing more nurses or physiotherapists.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When people are in the hospital, it's very common to spend a lot of time resting in bed. For older patients, this can be a particular problem. About 30% of patients aged 65 and older might find they become weaker or have more trouble doing everyday tasks simply because they were less active during their hospital stay. Sometimes, there's no medical reason why they can't move around a bit, but they still end up staying in bed.
This lack of movement can lead to a few issues. It can make muscles weaker, make it harder to be independent, and even increase the risks of problems after leaving the hospital, like needing to be readmitted. Research has shown that even gentle walking for about 25 to 40 minutes a day can really help maintain strength and independence while in hospital. However, with busy hospital staff, it can be hard to make sure everyone gets this kind of activity.
This study hopes to find a simple solution to this problem. Researchers are looking at whether a special vibrating watch can help. The idea is that this watch would gently remind patients throughout the day to move a little, maybe walk a short distance, or do some simple strengthening exercises. Because it's an easy-to-use device, it wouldn't require extra hospital staff, making it a practical option to help patients stay active and recover better during their hospital stay.
Key takeaways
- This study uses a vibrating watch to encourage patient activity in hospital.
- Aims to prevent weakness and loss of independence during hospital stays.
- Could help older, vulnerable patients stay stronger.
- The watch provides gentle reminders for movement or exercises.
- Doesn't require extra hospital staff to manage.
- Participation is voluntary and can be stopped at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for volunteers who are generally vulnerable but not completely dependent on others for help. You should be aged 50 or older and able to get up from a chair by yourself. You also need to be able to talk with the hospital staff, understand instructions, and agree to take part.
However, there are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if your hospital stay is expected to be very short (less than 5 days), or if your medical team advises against physical activity due to specific health conditions. You also can't take part if you have a terminal illness, are going to have surgery soon, or are pregnant. The study also requires you to understand French to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 50 years old or older?
- Can you stand up from a chair by yourself?
- Can you talk with staff and understand instructions?
- Is your hospital stay expected to be at least 5 days?
- Do your doctors say it's safe for you to do some physical activity?
- Do you understand French?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you would wear a special vibrating watch. This watch would gently remind you about six times a day to do some light exercises or walk a short distance, as advised by a rehabilitation specialist. The aim is to see if these reminders help you stay more active during your hospital stay. There aren't any specific medications involved with the study itself, just the use of the watch. Your progress in terms of your ability to move and do daily tasks would be checked regularly. The total time you would be involved depends on how long you stay in the hospital, but it's focused on that period.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (4)
- Hôpital Erasme Route de Lennick 808Verified postcodeBrussels, Belgium· Not yet recruiting
- Groupe Hospitalier du HavreVerified postcodeLe Havre, France· Recruiting
- Centre hospitalier de ChartresVerified postcodeLe Coudray, France· Not yet recruiting
- centre hospitalier de ValenceVerified postcodeValence, France· Not yet recruiting
Common questions
What is the main goal of this study?
To see if a vibrating watch can help hospital patients stay more active and recover better.
Who can join this study?
Patients aged 50 or over, who are generally vulnerable but can still get up from a chair by themselves, and can communicate with staff.
What will I have to do if I join?
You'll wear a vibrating watch that gives gentle reminders to do exercises or walk, as advised by a specialist.
Will this involve any new medications?
No, the study focuses on using the vibrating watch to encourage activity, not new medications.
Can I stop if I change my mind?
Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any time without it affecting your hospital care.
How to find out more
Guillaume Prieur, PT, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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