The Effect of Physical Exercise on the Physical Function of Hospitalized Older Adults Malnourished or at Risk of Malnourishment With Oral Nutritional Supplementation
The aim of this research is to analyze whether nutritional intervention combined with a multicomponent physical training program based on strength, balance, and aerobic exercises can prevent disability caused during hospitalization in individuals aged 75 years or older admitted for medical conditions, thereby improving functional and cognitive capacity. To achieve this objective, we will conduct a randomized clinical trial in which patients are randomly assigned to either the control group, which does not perform the physical training, or the intervention group, which participates in the multicomponent physical training program.
• Aged 75 years or above
• Hospitalized in the Acute Unit of the Geriatrics Service at the University Hospital of Navarra
• 4 days or more of expected hospitalization
• Malnourished according to the GLIM criteria or at risk of malnourishment (MUST scale)
• Barthel Index ≥ 60 points
• Capable of tolerating oral intake
• Able to walk (with or without assistance)
• Able to understand instructions and communicate
• Consent to participate in the study after being informed of its objectives and who sign the informed consent (the participant or their legal guardian in case of disability).