There’s really not enough evidence to be certain of the risk to benefit ratio in elderly patients. But what is known is summarized in a Cochrane review.

Just 9 studies were considered good enough to evaluate, and when compared to usual care?

• There was a small but significant increase in the proportion of patients discharged from the hospital to home
• An average of one-day shorter hospital stay
• A savings of $278 per person in total hospital costs compared to usual care

Exercise had no effect on adverse events reported in these studies.

You know what they say, about needing more studies?

1/29/07 23:19 JR