Background: Physical inactivity is common during hospitalization. Physical activity has been
described in different inpatient populations but never across a hospital.
Purpose: To describe inpatient movement behavior and associated factors throughout a single
university hospital.
Methods: A prospective observational study was performed. Patients admitted to clinical wards
were included. Behavioral mapping was undertaken for each participant between 9AM and 4PM.
The location, physical activity, daily activity, and company of participants were described. Barriers to
physical activity were examined using linear regression analyses.
Results: In total, 345 participants from 19 different wards were included. The mean (SD) age was 61
(16) years and 57% of participants were male. In total, 65% of participants were able to walk
independently. On average participants spent 86% of observed time in their room and 10% of their
time moving. A physiotherapist or occupational therapist was present during 1% of the time,
nursing staff and family were present 11% and 13%, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis
showed the presence of an intravenous line (p = .039), urinary catheter (p = .031), being female
(p = .034), or being dependent on others for walking (p = .016) to be positively associated with the
time spent in bed. Age > 65, undergoing surgery, receiving encouragement by a nurse or physician,
reporting a physical complaint or pain were not associated with the time spent in bed (P > .05).
Conclusion: As family members and nursing staff spend more time with patients than physiotherapists
or occupational therapists, increasing their involvement might be an important next step in
the promotion of physical activity.