Correlation of cardiovascular and respiratory comorbidities with motor functional independence in the elderly after hip fracture

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between different levels of examined comorbidities using the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics and motor Functional Independence Measure test in the elderly after hip fracture. Material and Methods. The study included 203 geriatric patients, 65 years of age and older, who were referred to a rehabilitation program at the Institute for Rehabilitation after hip fracture. The following comorbidities were analyzed: cardiac, vascular, and respiratory. The motor component of Functional Independence Measure was used to assess functional recovery. The Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics was used to calculate the comorbidity index. The patients were assessed on 4 different occasions: on admission, on discharge, 3 months after discharge, and 6 months after discharge. The short-term and long-term efficiency of rehabilitation treatment was measured. Results. There is a significant difference in motor Functional Independence Measure scores between different levels of vascular (p = 0.010) and respiratory (p = 0.047) comorbidities only on admission, while at other times of observation no significant difference (p > 0.05) was found. The highest level of correlation was found in level 3 comorbidity severity index for cardiac comorbidity (discharge/3 months) (Pearson?s correlation - R = 0.938) and vascular comorbidity (discharge/3 months) (R = 0.912), and level 2 comorbidity severity index for respiratory comorbidity (discharge/3 months) (R = 0.941). Conclusion. Rehabilitation treatment of the elderly after hip fracture plays a significant role both in short-term and long-term recovery, particularly in the functional domains even in persons with significant comorbidities. Early inclusion and an individually designed rehabilitation program with continuous monitoring of the elderly after hip fractures results in functional improvement and better quality of life.