Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Response to an Exercise Program to Prevent Hospitalization-Associated Disability in Older Adults: A Secondary Analysis from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) adherence and response to an exercise and health education program to prevent hospitalization-associated disability (HAD) in acutely hospitalized older adults.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting and participants: Secondary analysis of a subset of 109 participants from AGECAR-PLUS study with available data on MedDiet adherence (mean age 87, and range 75-98).

Intervention: Participants were randomized into the control group (n = 46, usual care) or the intervention group (n = 63, supervised exercise and health education) at admission.

Measurements: MedDiet adherence was measured with MEDAS and through urinary total polyphenols (UTP). Functional status was assessed with the Barthel Index.

Results: At discharge, patients in the intervention group who had low levels of MedDiet or UTP showed an increase in functional status [adjusted mean (95% CI) = 77.8 (70.8-84.8) points, p = 0.005, and adjusted mean (95% CI) = 78.0 (68.3-87.7) points, p = 0.020, respectively].

Conclusion: Older individuals over age 75 with low MedDiet adherence were likely to benefit more from a physical exercise and health education intervention.

Keywords: Mediterranean dietary pattern; activities of daily living; functional ability; hospitalization-associated disability; phenolic compounds.