Immobility in the aged
P. Rousseau
Department of Geriatrics, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Phoenix, Ariz.
Bed rest has historically been used therapeutically in the management of
many chronic maladies prevalent in elderly persons. Unfortunately, the
deleterious consequences of immobility predispose elderly persons to
significant functional decline and reduced quality of life. Prolonged
inactivity reduces the physiologic reserve of most organ systems,
particularly the musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary systems. Consequently,
muscle weakness, contracture formation, postural hypotension, and
thrombogenic events are common in bed-bound patients. Fortunately,
contemporary studies have dispelled the myth that inactivity fosters
healing and have suggested techniques that may prevent immobility-induced
dysfunction and ensure beneficial outcome in fragile and aging populations.
