Frailty is a syndrome in which a person becomes unable to deal with everyday stress placed on the body. Their muscles may lack strength and power. Their heart and lungs may lose the capacity to help them take part in daily activities and life events. These changes make it difficult or impossible to do things like bathe, dress, care for a family member, prepare meals, or attend social activities.
People of any age can become frail due to trauma, disease, persistent pain, or a reduction in physical activity. People who have more than one chronic health condition at midlife — such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or stroke — are more likely to become frail as they age.
Physical therapists help individuals with frailty restore their overall mobility (movement), so they can return to desired activities. They help them improve their:
- Strength and flexibility.
- Aerobic capacity (the ability of the heart and lungs to get oxygen to muscles).
- Balance control.
What is Frailty?
Frailty is the inability to perform daily activities due to factors such as muscle weakness and the loss of heart and lung capacity. Inactivity is a major cause of frailty. Inactivity can occur due to the presence of health conditions, an injury, or lifestyle choices. Being inactive, regardless of the reason, can cause weakness in all body systems. It only takes a few days in the hospital to experience a decline in the strength needed to move. Spending eight days or more in the hospital over a one-year period is linked to a loss of leg strength in otherwise healthy aging adults. Up to 30% of critical care patients in hospitals are frail.
When a person is not physically active, specific problems can result, including:
- Small, weak, and rigid muscles (known as sarcopenia).
- Stiff joints.
- Weakened heart and lung function (cardiorespiratory system).
- Balance problems and an increased risk for falls.
Frail people often are scared to perform activities or don’t want to do them because it makes them tired. This lack of activity increases frailty over time, creating a challenging pattern of physical inactivity and frailty. Some people do not understand how to improve their condition, so they continue to be inactive.
When a person becomes frail from lack of physical activity, they are at a higher risk of falling. Falls often cause injuries that can lead to hospitalization, disability, and death.
Signs and Symptoms
A person with frailty may experience:
- Severe fatigue, weakness, and/or exhaustion.
- Low energy.
- Weight loss.
- Difficulty standing, sitting, or walking.
- Trouble getting out of bed or a chair without help.
- Inability to perform simple household tasks.
- Poor balance or fear of falling.
- Feeling unable to work.
- Inability to socialize with friends and family.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Frailty can be diagnosed by your doctor or by a physical therapist. Your physical therapist will conduct a thorough examination to determine your:
- Lung (aerobic) capacity.
- Balance and posture.
- Fall risk.
- Flexibility.
- Strength.
- Mobility (movement).
- Muscle power.
Our Physical Therapists will ask you or a caregiver questions about your health, symptoms, and how well you move around. They also will conduct a hands-on examination and will observe your movements.
