Article

This study examined whether differences existed in inpatient
rehabilitation outcomes and therapy participation in nonobese and obese patients
with orthopedic trauma.
DESIGN: This was a retrospective study of 294 consecutive
patients admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Main outcomes included
participation in therapy sessions, Functional Independence Measure (FIM) ratings,
walking distance and stair climb, length of stay,
FIM efficiency (FIM score
gain/length of stay), and discharge to home. Data were stratified by patient body
mass index values (nonobese, <30 kg/m; or obese, >/=30 kg/m). RESULTS: There were
no differences in therapy participation or length of stay between groups. Both
total and motor FIM ratings at discharge were lower in obese patients compared
with nonobese patients (P < 0.05). FIM efficiency was significantly lower in the
obese than in the nonobese group (2.6 +/- 1.5 vs. 3.1 +/- 1.5 points gained per
day; P = 0.05). Walking distance and stair climb ability were similar between
groups by discharge. Even morbidly obese patients attained some improvement with
independence in walking. CONCLUSIONS: Obese patients make significant functional
improvement during rehabilitation, but at a lesser magnitude and rate as their
nonobese counterparts. Even with morbid obesity, small but important functional
gains can occur during rehabilitation for orthopedic trauma.

Langue : ANGLAIS