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.