Improving protein and vitamin D status of obese patients participating in physical rehabilitation.

PURPOSE

Sarcopenia and vitamin D deficiency increase risk of disability outcomes associated with a million hip and knee replacements annually. The purpose of the present study was to identify protein and vitamin D inadequacy in arthroplasty patients, and observe the effect of supplementation on metabolic markers on protein and vitamin D status.

METHODS

One hundred and eighty obese arthroplasty patients admitted for inpatient rehabilitation, positive for protein and vitamin D insufficiency, received supplemental protein and vitamin D.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Following supplementation, normalization of protein and vitamin D status was achieved. Nutrient supplementation during physical rehabilitation provided an efficient and effective means to reverse nutrient deficiency in an obese, orthopedic population.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Inpatient physical rehabilitation is an opportune environment for nurses to provide education and intervention of nutrient supplementation, which may lessen consequences of sarcopenic obesity and related frailty disorders.

© 2013 Association of Rehabilitation Nurses.