Background: Black patients have been shown to have worse physical function, higher likelihood of developing mobility limitations and higher rates of mobility loss and functional decline. Despite these functional disadvantages, Black patients are less likely to receive acute and post-acute rehabilitation services. These disparities have been described in community-dwelling, ambulatory, and surgical populations, and social [...]

Background: Prolonged immobility during hospitalization is associated with development of hospital-associated disability (HAD) and physical deconditioning. Physical therapy (PT) is important for HAD treatment and prevention but is a constrained resource in most hospital settings and planned sessions can be difficult to complete. Missing planned PT sessions, known as “PT non-treatment”, may compromise patient’s functional [...]

Background: Black patients have distinct disadvantages that are associated with poor functional outcomes. Physical therapy (PT) is an invaluable tool for improving functional outcomes including hospital-associated disability and physical deconditioning. However, Black patients on trauma surgery services or with traumatic brain injury are less likely to be offered post-acute rehabilitation. Older White patients have higher [...]

Background: Patients in hospitals often face various physical constraints, such as being monitored, having internal or external catheters inserted, or being tethered to an IV pole. These limitations act as barriers to mobilization, contributing to the deconditioning of patients who initially mobilized independently or with assistance, leading to increased falls, excessive use of physical therapy [...]