Exercise program to prevent functional decline in older hospitalized patients

The Preventing Functional Decline in Acutely Hospitalized Older Patients (PREV_FUNC) Study

Phase 3 Interventional Karolinska Institutet · NCT05366075

This study is testing whether a special exercise program can help older patients in the hospital stay stronger and function better after they leave.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment320 (estimated)
Ages75 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska Institutet Academic / other
Locations1 site (Huddinge)
Trial IDNCT05366075 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of multicomponent exercise interventions on physical function in older adults hospitalized for acute conditions. It compares a comprehensive exercise program, which includes mobility and strengthening exercises, to a simpler program focused on walking and rising from a chair, as well as to usual care. Participants aged 75 and older will be recruited from geriatric wards in Stockholm, Sweden, and will undergo assessments at admission, discharge, and three months post-discharge. The primary outcome is physical function, with secondary outcomes including activities of daily living, quality of life, sarcopenia, falls, re-admissions, and mortality.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 75 and above who can stand up from a sitting position independently or with minimal help.

Not a fit: Patients with terminal illnesses or major medical conditions that contraindicate exercise, as well as those living in nursing homes, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve physical function and quality of life for older adults after hospitalization.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise interventions in older adults, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ability to stand up from a sitting position independently or with minimal personal help
* ability to communicate and collaborate with the research staff

Exclusion Criteria:

* people who are not able to follow instructions
* people who by the responsible physician are assessed as not eligible to participate due to terminal illness or any major medical condition that contraindicates exercise
* those living in nursing home
* those previously included in the study

Where this trial is running

Huddinge

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions HospitalizationOlder AdultsExercisePhysical Functional PerformanceRandomized Controlled Trial
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.