Impacts of Hospitalization on Life-Space Mobility in Brazilian Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study

• Grant number: 24/17601-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Anielle Cristhine de Medeiros Takahashi
• Grantee: Laura Bonome Message
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Life-space mobility (LSM) refers to the area in which a person moves, considering distance, frequency, and required assistance. In older adult, it is common for LSM to decrease after hospitalizations, affecting quality of life, increasing mortality, and causing functional and cognitive decline. In 2010, Webber and colleagues introduced a new theoretical framework for LSM, identifying five determinants that influence it (physical, psychosocial, environmental, financial, cognitive). However, such determinants have not yet been studied in Brazil, particularly in older adults who have been hospitalized. Objectives: i) To assess the impact of hospitalization on LSM in Brazilian older adult, identifying whether Webber's mobility determinants and intra-hospital factors predict LSM after one and six months post-hospitalization. Methods: This is a longitudinal study inviting hospitalized Brazilian older adult to participate. LSM will be assessed using the Life Space Assessment (LSA) upon hospital admission to evaluate the pre-hospitalization period and monthly, for six months after discharge. Hospitalization data, such as days hospitalized, physical therapy sessions and intensive care unit (ICU) stays, will be collected from participants' medical records. Upon hospital discharge, the determinants of LSM proposed by Webber will be assessed, including: financial (household income), cognitive (Mini-Mental State Examination), environmental (Environmental Perception Scale for Physical Activity Practice), psychosocial (Participation Measure-3 Domains, 4 Dimensions), physical (Gait speed), and personal (age and sex). Data analysis will be conducted using a repeated measures ANOVA to compare LSM before and after hospitalization, as well as the results of the TUG, SPPB, and Barthel Index. Additionally, logistic regression will be applied to identify potential predictors of LSM. Expected results: To identify if hospital factors and Webber's determinants predict changes in LSM in older adult one and six months post-discharge. This information will help structure discharge plans with more assertive actions to minimize the reduction in LSM in this population. (AU)