OPIC - Community Medicine

Question 1

Deconditioning in the Elderly

What is it?
Contributing Factors
Consequences of Deconditioning

Answer 1

1. ) What is it? - physiological change following a period of inactivity, bed rest or sedentary lifestyle
   - results in functional losses in mental status, continence and ability to accomplish ADLs
2. ) Contributing Factors
   - older age, obesity, poor nutrition
   - illnesses, chronic diseases, and disabilities
   - long hospitalisation/bed rest, pregnancy
   - injuries affecting movement and activity
   - medications, psychosocial circumstances
3. ) Consequences of Deconditioning
   - MSK: ↓muscle mass, changes in joint structures, reduced mobility due to ↓leg strength, all lead to:
   - ↑ risk of falls, functional decline, frailty, immobility