Impact of Physical Exercise on Hospitalized Older Adults Malnourished or at Risk, With Oral Nutritional Support

Launched by FUNDACION MIGUEL SERVET · Jul 15, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether combining special nutritional support with a tailored exercise program can help older adults who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition stay stronger and more independent while they are in the hospital. The exercise program includes activities that focus on building strength, improving balance, and boosting heart health. The goal is to see if this approach can prevent loss of ability to move and think clearly during a hospital stay for people aged 75 and older.

To take part, patients need to be 75 years or older, expected to stay in the hospital for at least four days, able to eat by mouth, able to walk (with or without help), and able to understand and follow instructions. Participants will be randomly placed into one of two groups—one group will receive the nutrition support but no exercise program, while the other group will do the exercise program along with the nutrition support. This study is still in the planning phase and not yet recruiting participants. It’s important to know that some people won’t be eligible if they have certain serious health conditions or physical limitations that prevent them from safely exercising. If you or a loved one fits these criteria and is interested, this study could offer a way to help maintain strength and independence during a hospital stay.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 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).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Advanced major neurocognitive disorder (GDS 6 and 7)
• • Uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia, acute pulmonary thromboembolism, acute myocardial infarction, or bone fractures within the last 3 months
• • Chronic kidney disease stage 4 or 5
• • Safe and effective swallowing only with pudding texture
• • Inability to participate in the physical exercise program due to physical limitations
• • Participate in another study that may interfere with data interpretation or have participated in another study in six months prior to their entry into the study.