Geriatric rehabilitation (GR) plays a vital role in supporting older adults experiencing (sub)acute health problems to regain functional independence and re-engage socially. Despite its focus on physical recovery, recent studies and clinical experience reveal that patients in GR spend most of their day sedentary. Prolonged sedentary behavior (SB) is independently associated with negative health outcomes including cardiovascular events, diminished recovery, and increased mortality. This calls for prevention strategies that support long-term recovery.
Current geriatric rehabilitation programs typically focus on encouraging physical activity and improving functional performance, but they often overlook the importance of reducing prolonged SB. Replacing SB with substantial amounts of physical activity is often unfeasible for these patients. Therefore, targeting SB may therefore be a more realistic and effective behavioral change strategy.
First, the EAGER-2-MOVE project focusses on characterizing movement behavior in older adults undergoing geriatric rehabilitation after stroke or trauma/fracture. The next study will be a mixed-methods study gaining insight into patients’, caregivers’ and professionals’ perspectives on sedentary behavior and barriers and facilitators for change. Finally, we aim to develop an intervention (a practical tool and approach) to support behavior change regarding sedentary time in co-creation with patients, informal caregivers and healthcare professionals.