PTOTSurveyJournal of rehabilitation medicine2026

Exercise modalities and outcome measures used in older adults after hip fracture with or without signs of cognitive impairment: a national cross-sectional e-survey of 90 out of 98 municipalities in Denmark.

Jan A Overgaard, Morten T Kristensen, Lauren A Beaupre and 2 others

PMID 41674106

WHAT IT FOUND

Danish municipalities offer similar hip fracture rehabilitation regardless of cognitive status, but rarely screen for impairment or document specific plans for those with cognitive signs.

Physiotherapists deliver most care, using functional and balance exercises, yet few use recommended pain or cognitive assessments.

Key findings

01Only 4% of municipalities used a standardized screening tool for cognitive impairment at the start of rehabilitation.

02Rehabilitation services were largely similar for patients with hip fracture and those with signs of cognitive impairment, though specific adaptations were lacking.

03Physiotherapists were primarily responsible for delivering physical rehabilitation across most settings, except in 24-hour care where occupational therapists were also responsible for patients with cognitive impairment.

STILL TO COME

How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs

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What it does not show

The study relies on self-reported data from municipal representatives, which may reflect intended rather than actual service delivery. Findings are specific to the Danish healthcare system and may not transfer to other countries. The survey did not include patient-level or observational data to verify the quality of care.

Declared interests

The authors declared no conflicts of interest. Funding was provided by a memorial legatee and regional health research foundations.

The easy way to misread this

Do not assume that similar reported service intensity equates to equivalent care quality. The lack of cognitive screening and specific adaptations means patients with cognitive impairment may receive less tailored or effective rehabilitation despite similar session counts.

Summarised by AI from the full paper, without a clinician reviewing it. Check it against the source before it changes what you do. Read it on PubMed →