The ravages of prolonged bed rest: an update on multidisciplinary care for the deconditioned patient

Deconditioning describes functional decline, progressive weakness and physiological changes that result from prolonged bed rest and inactivity. Frailty is a syndrome in which age-related physiological changes are accelerated or exacerbated in multiple systems. Deconditioning is more likely in patients who experience frailty. Due to the complexities of these conditions, optimal management involves a multidisciplinary team comprised of GPs, specialists and allied health professionals.