Immobility Syndrome

Abstract

Immobility is a common problem that involves a plethora of diseases in older people, which frequently induce disability. This syndrome is associated with functional decline, increases the risk of nursing home placement after discharge, and furthers medical complications. Complications such as undertreated pre- and postoperative pain, delirium, and functional decline must be faced. Regarding deconditioning, which usually can be traced to excessive bed rest, is an important clinical entity characterized by depression, lethargy, anorexia, dehydration, neuromuscular instability, decreased bone density, muscular weakness and incoordination, altered bladder and bowel function with retention and constipation, as well as urinary and fecal incontinence. Besides, frailty could even be characterized as a failure of cognition, mobility, or both. Finally, patients suffering from immobility syndrome should receive an adequate assessment of their causes and complications in order to plan their rehabilitation.