Rehabilitation nursing program to improve functional capacity in incarcerated older adults: A case series
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: Aging in prison settings is associated with an accelerated decline in muscle health and functional capacity, requiring timely and appropriate Rehabilitation Nursing interventions. Objective: To evaluate the effects of a Rehabilitation Nursing program on muscle health and functional capacity in older adults living in prison. Methods: A descriptive case-series study was conducted with nine older adults. A Rehabilitation Nursing program was implemented based on the principles of exercise prescription, including frequency, intensity, time, type, volume and progression, complemented by recovery criteria, safety, effectiveness, risk management/adverse event control, biological principles, response monitoring and systematic assessment procedures. Participants completed three weekly sessions over five weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included physical activity and occupational activity levels, environmental conditions, functional per-formance tests (Sit-to-Stand, Timed Up and Go, Single Leg Stance), handgrip strength, muscle power (absolute, relative and allometric), effort tolerance and perceived exertion (global and self-care related), SARC-F questionnaire, quadriceps circumference, and pain monitoring, including delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Results: Significant improvements were observed in muscle power (+25.7% to +34.7%), handgrip strength (+3% to +19%), functional mobility (+11%), balance (+16%), Sit-to-Stand performance (+33%), reduction in perceived exertion (-21% to -35%) and reduction in sarcopenia risk (-21%). Conclusion: The Rehabilitation Nursing Program proved to be feasible and safe, demonstrating potential to improve muscle health and functional capacity among older adults in prison settings.
Authors: Saraiva, Daniel, Guerra, Nelson, Marques, Joana, Severino, Sandy, Sousa, Luís
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7209019882
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