Deconditioning

Deconditioning refers to the changes in the body that occur during a period of time when you are not active (inactivity). The changes happen in the heart, lungs, and muscles. They make you feel tired and weak (fatigued) and decrease your ability to be active. The three stages of deconditioning include:

• Mild deconditioning. This is a change in your ability to do your usual exercise activities, such as running, biking, or swimming.
• Moderate deconditioning. This is a change in your ability to do normal everyday activities, such as walking, shopping for groceries, and doing chores.
• Severe deconditioning. In this stage, you may not be able to do minimal activity or usual self-care.

What are the causes?

Deconditioning can occur after only a few days of inactivity. The longer the period of inactivity, the more severe the deconditioning will be, and the longer it will take to return to your previous level of functioning. It can take three times longer to recover than the time period of inactivity. Deconditioning is caused by inactivity, often due to:

• Illnesses, such as cancer, stroke, heart attack, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Injuries, especially back injuries, broken bones, and injuries to soft tissues, such as ligaments and tendons.
• Hospitalization, even for just a day or two.
• Pregnancy, especially if long periods of bed rest are needed.

What increases the risk?

The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:

• Having obesity or poor nutrition.
• Having poor mobility before the period of inactivity.
• Being an older adult.
• Having depression.
• Having problems with thinking and learning (cognitive impairment).

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Weakness and tiredness.
• Shortness of breath with minor physical effort (exertion).
• A heartbeat that is faster than normal. You may not notice this without taking your pulse.
• Pain or discomfort with activity.
• Decreased strength, endurance, and balance.
• Difficulty doing your usual forms of exercise.
• Difficulty doing activities of daily living, such as grocery shopping or chores. You may also have problems walking around the house and doing basic self-care, such as getting to the bathroom, preparing meals, or doing laundry.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on your medical history and a physical exam. During the physical exam, your health care provider will check for signs of deconditioning, such as:

• Decreased size of muscles.
• Decreased strength.
• Trouble with balance.
• Shortness of breath or a heart rate that is faster than normal after minor exertion.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition involves an exercise program in which activity is increased slowly. Your health care provider will tell you which exercises are right for you. The exercise program will likely include:

• Aerobic exercise. This type of exercise helps improve the functioning of the heart, lungs, and muscles.
• Strength training. This type of exercise helps increase muscle size and strength.

Both of these types of exercise will improve your endurance. You may be referred to a physical therapist who can create a safe strengthening program for you to follow.

Follow these instructions at home:

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You are not able to do the recommended exercise program.
• You are becoming more and more tired and weak.
• You become light-headed when rising to a sitting or standing position.
• Your level of endurance decreases after it has improved.

Get help right away if:

• You have chest pain.
• You are very short of breath.
• You have any episodes of fainting.

These symptoms may be an emergency. Get help right away. Call 911.

• Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away.
• Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

Summary

• Deconditioning refers to the changes in the body that occur during a period of inactivity.
• Deconditioning happens in the heart, lungs, and muscles. The changes make you feel tired and weak and decrease your ability to be active.
• Treatment for deconditioning involves an exercise program in which activity is increased slowly.