Staying active in the hospital
- Stephanie Soto
- Sep 19
- 1 min read
A recent study looked at the effects of staying active when hospitalized if you have Parkinson's. Let's review what they found.
The study used data that compared 300 hospital patients with PD to 12,000 patients without PD. There was an active group who had 3 sessions or more per day of either active or passive range of motion in bed, sitting at the edge of the bed, sitting on a chair, standing, or walking. The other group had less than three sessions per day. It is important to note that both groups were active, one was just more active. The data showed that those who were more active had a shorter hospital stay and a higher probability of returning home after being hospitalized. This means they had a lower probability of going to a rehabilitation center. The really powerful statistic from this study was that patients who were more active were 50% less likely to die within 30 days of being discharged and 30% less likely within 90 days! Moving more literally saves lives!
The study also reported benefits of reduced muscle loss, better sleep, and improved focus for those who moved more. Such powerful results from simple movements!
If you or a loved one has PD and needs to have a hospital stay, keep moving! Request to be seen by physical therapy and occupational therapy daily. Talk to your nurse about changing your position regularly during the day. Request to sit in the chair, sit up in bed, stand, walk etc. You need to move even when you are in the hospital!!
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