A randomized controlled trial protocol investigating effectiveness of an activity-pacing program for deconditioned older adults.

BACKGROUND.: Acute hospitalization of older adults can lead to deconditioning and the need for rehabilitation to facilitate a return to home and previous lifestyle. An occupational therapy intervention to combat deconditioning is activity pacing, an active self-management strategy where individuals learn to modify how and when activities are completed with the aim of improving participation in occupation.

PURPOSE.: This study will examine the effectiveness of occupational therapy with activity pacing during rehabilitation for deconditioned older adults.

METHOD.: A randomized controlled trial is proposed with inclusion criteria of older adults, 65+ years old, living independently in the community prior to admission, with adequate cognition and language to participate in the intervention. Participation, health status, self-efficacy in daily activities, self-efficacy in activity pacing techniques, and symptom management (pain and fatigue) will be measured at admission, discharge, and 3 months postdischarge.

IMPLICATIONS.: Determining if an activity-pacing program is effective will provide occupational therapists with evidence to support service delivery.