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Table 1 Functional classification of participants and recommended activities for intervention group

From: Enhancing physical activity in older adults receiving hospital based rehabilitation: a phase II feasibility study

Level

Function

Intervention

1

Patient is unable to transfer out of bed without maximum assistance (two persons or a hoist) and has poor static and dynamic sitting balance (unable to sit independently).

Bed exercise program (including lower limb, upper limb and abdominal strength and bed mobility) and sitting balance exercises.

2

Patient can transfer out of bed with assistance from one person, has independent sitting balance, but is unable to stand independently. Requires moderate assistance from two people to walk.

Sitting exercise program including targeted lower limb strengthening exercises. Sit to stand exercises, standing balance exercises, stepping / marching on the spot as able (using rails/ gait aids for safety as indicated). Activities from the previous level may be included if specifically indicated. For example, if the participant is unable to perform full range movement against the effects of gravity, specific lower limb muscle strengthening exercises may be performed on the bed.

3

Patient can walk with minimal assistance of one person.

Walking exercises, sit to stand exercises, standing balance exercises, and step up exercises. Targeted lower limb strength exercises (where possible closed chain or functional strengthening exercises).

4

Supervision only or independence with ambulation. Requires minimal assistance or supervision on stairs.

Stairs exercises, walking exercises (including outdoor mobility), step up exercises, standing balance exercises. Targeted lower limb strength exercises as indicated (where possible closed chain or functional strengthening exercises).