May 20, 2025
Bed rest serves as a time-honored recommendation for illness and some injuries, especially for flu and other infections. On the other hand, for patients over the age of 70, bed rest is associated with a major, new disability in one-third of prolonged cases. Among a test sample of healthy subjects age 67 and older, 10 days of bed rest resulted in more lean tissue loss than 28 days of bed rest caused in younger test subjects. We should not expect seniors to simply bounce back from bed rest.
During bed rest, the first muscles to become atrophied are the trunk and leg muscles involved in gait and upright posture. After the injury has healed or illness has abated, many elderly patients still experience considerable risks associated with their period of rest. On average across all adults, rate of recovery from disuse weakness is slower than the rate of loss. With intensive exercise, the average patient takes 2.5 times longer than the period of rest to regain lost strength. Older patients may take even longer.
The fact of the matter is that most elderly patients do not engage in intensive exercise after periods of bed rest and are more likely to quietly decrease their daily activities and self-care. Fall injuries, medication errors, and other problems become more likely during the months following bed rest. Back to Action Physical Therapy can efficiently develop a safe exercise program that will help seniors and athletes alike achieve optimal recovery in minimum time after illness or injury. Call the office nearest you.
In reviewing this data, you agree that this is not medical advice and that medical advice should only be heeded after a proper assessment from a licensed healthcare professional.
