Managing Frailty Through Mobilization in Males and Female Inpatients with Cardiovascular Disease

Frailty describes the overall health of a person. Inpatients with cardiovascular problems have a higher risk for frailty - or the sick are more likely to get sicker - causing longer hospital stays, hospital readmission, and death. Females are particularly vulnerable to these problems, generally displaying higher frailty levels than males. In hospital, patients spend almost all their time in bed, and this lack of movement worsens cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health, sometimes lengthening patients' hospital stay and priming them for another cardiovascular event. Prolonged sedentary time may be more detrimental on frailty among females than males. The proposed pilot project will test if an in-hospital General Medicine mobilization program reduces frailty (measure of overall health) in male and female inpatients with cardiovascular disease. A Kinesiologist will provide daily check-ins and promote daily movement (e.g., standing more, resistance bands, physical activity promotion, etc.). The investigators expect both males and females will lower their frailty levels, but given their higher frailty levels in general and because females are typically less active than males, the investigators expect the intervention's effects to be greatest among females. Sixty patients (30 females) will be recruited. Patients with a major heart problem, projected to be in-hospital for at least 3-days, and can independently provide consent. Frailty will be measured using a validated questionnaire. Participants will also be equipped with activity monitors for 24h/d continuous wear to measure amount of time spent stepping, sitting, and lying. Hospital records will be used for length of stay and readmissions. The investigators will compare the outcomes (activity and frailty) between males and females to determine if the intervention impacted each sex differently. This work will guide improved care plans to decrease frailty and improve health outcomes in both male and female patients with heart problems.