Gender, Pain, and Function Associated with Physical Activity after Hospitalization in Persons Living with Dementia

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify factors that are associated with physical activity after hospitalization in persons living with dementia. Methods: Multiple linear regressions were conducted to test factors associated with objective activity levels (sedentary, low, moderate, and vigorous) among 244 patients living with dementia from a randomized controlled trial. Results: Within 48 hours of hospital discharge, time in sedentary behavior was associated with increased pain (β=0.164, P=0.015). Time in low activity was associated with less pain (β=-0.130, P=0.049) and higher physical function (β=0.300, P=<0.001). Time in moderate activity was associated with increased physical function (β=0.190, P=0.008) and male gender (β=0.155, P=0.016). No significant associations of potential factors were found with time in vigorous activity. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that managing or reducing pain, encouraging individual functional level, and gender could influence time spent in physical activity after acute hospitalization in persons living with dementia.