Progressive high-intensity quadriceps training in elderly proximal femoral fracture patients increased leg extensor power and reduced disability. This was accompanied by an increase in energy as measured by the Nottingham Health Profile. This intervention may provide a simple practical way of improving outcome in these patients.

There is a need for continuing patient education, improved support for stroke survivors and more active involvement of Primary Care Services in the care of stroke patients following hospital discharge.

Although all three scales detected improvements in mobility, the EMS detected mobility improvements in a significantly greater number of patients.

A 6-week program of electrical stimulation of the quadriceps did not increase leg extensor power, or reduce disability, in elderly patients rehabilitating after surgical fixation of proximal femoral fracture. In many patients local discomfort limited the intensity of electrical stimulation that could be delivered.

SUMMARY. Serum and mononuclear blood cell (MBC) magnesium were measured in 24 healthy community subjects, average age 76 years (67-93), and in 21 ill hospitalized subjects, average age 79 years (65-90). MBC magnesium, expressed as /illloVrng protein, was significantly lower in the in-patient group (P

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Fifty-six elderly patients (age range 65-98 years) discharged from a geriatric unit were visited at home on or after the 5th post-discharge day (median day 8) and their medication assessed. By the day of the visit, 15 of the 56 had not had a new prescription issued (27%) and 27 patients (48%) had old prescribed medication at home. Forty-one new scripts, issued by general practitioners, should have contained 128 medications if the general practitioners wished to continue unchanged the medication given on hospital discharge. Fourteen drugs (11%) had been added and 17 drugs (13%) omitted. The number of prescriptions issued unchanged was 26/41 (63%). Inaccurately labelled containers and/or changed drug names were found in 28%. Contrary to hospital advice, 47% of medications were issued in childproof containers. Poor communication between hospital and general practitioners is only part of the problem. Methods to expedite the delivery of new prescriptions should be developed.

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