Combined Exercise and Nutritional Therapy Improves Physical Functions and Activities of Daily Living in Patients With Multimorbidity Undergoing Convalescent Rehabilitation: A Case Report

Abstract

Currently, there is inadequate evidence on the effects of combined rehabilitation and nutritional therapy for patients with multimorbidity. Therefore, in this report, we describe a case of combined rehabilitation and nutritional therapies with favorable outcomes in a patient with duplicated musculoskeletal and cerebrovascular diseases. An 80-year-old female patient was admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation ward after undergoing left total knee arthroplasty. During hospitalization, the patient had a subcortical hemorrhage in the right temporal lobe. The patient was readmitted to a convalescent rehabilitation ward after treatment at an acute care hospital and underwent rehabilitation therapy. Upon readmission, the patient showed a decline in physical function and skeletal muscle mass and had a poor nutritional status. Additionally, the patient required assistance with activities of daily living. Comprehensive treatment combining rehabilitation therapy and nutritional therapy was carried out for five months, seven days a week. The patient's physical function, skeletal muscle mass, and nutritional status improved. It is important to combine rehabilitation and nutritional therapy for patients with multiple diseases.