CAN THE BEDDING BRIDGE TEST IN HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS PREDICT OUTCOMES AFTER 6 MONTHS OF FOLLOW-UP?

Early detection of functional limitations remains an important goal to prevent disability in individuals who have been hospitalized. To examine the association between versions of the bed bridge test (BBT), a new functional test to assess hospitalized patients, and post-hospitalization outcomes such as return to work, death, readmission and falls in individuals after six months of discharge. This is a longitudinal, observational, prospective study, in which 92 hospitalized patients eligible for the study performed in random order o BBT: 5 repetitions (BBT5R) and 10 repetitions (BBT10R), 30 seconds (BBT30sec) and 60 seconds (BBT60sec). Sociodemographic data, diagnosis, comorbidities, and length of stay were recorded. Six months after hospital discharge, telephone contact was made and information was obtained on return to usual/work activities, rehospitalization, falls, functional independence, and the patient's vital status. Bivariate correlation analysis was performed. The independent variables were gender, age, comorbidities, length of stay, and performance on the BBT versions. The dependent variables were usual/work activities, rehospitalization, falls, functional independence, and death. Linear regression models were used to determine whether the BBT versions and sociodemographic variables predict return to usual/work activities, rehospitalization, falls, functional independence, and death. The participants (50.9±17.2 years old, 60% women) included in the study were composed of 66% with clinical condition and 34% with surgical condition. All versions of the BTT were associated with age and FSS comorbidity (rs=-0.50 to -0.20 and 0.28 to 0.43; p