Outcomes during and after inpatient rehabilitation:: Comparison between adults and older adults

Objective: To compare changes on biopsychosocial variables between adults (< 65 years) and older adults ( 65 years) during and after an inpatient rehabilitation program. Design: Comparative study. Participants: A total of 165 people 18 years and over admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation unit. Methods: The participants were evaluated 3 times: at admission and discharge and 3 months later. Outcome measures were: Functional Autonomy Measurement System (SMAF), Modified Mini-Mental State Examination, Trail Making Test, Motor-Free Visual Perceptual Test, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Jamar dynamometer, and General Well-being Schedule (GWBS). Results: Both groups improved significantly between admission and discharge on the SMAF, BBS, TUG, VAS, Jamar dynamometer and CWBS. Although scores on many of the outcome measures differed at admission, the 2 groups improved similarly during rehabilitation. After 3 months, stability or a slight improvement was observed for both groups; however, younger participants improved more on mobility, balance, walking and grip strength. Conclusion: Although older participants had more disabilities at admission, they benefited as much as younger people from an intensive rehabilitation program with a comparable length of stay. However, younger participants continued to improve 3 months later.