Early detection of functional limitations remains an important goal to prevent disability in individuals who have been hospitalized.

To examine the association between versions of the bed bridge test (BBT), a new functional test to assess hospitalized patients, and post-hospitalization outcomes such as return to work, death, readmission and falls in individuals after six months of discharge.

This is a longitudinal, observational, prospective study, in which 92 hospitalized patients eligible for the study performed in random order o BBT: 5 repetitions (BBT5R) and 10 repetitions (BBT10R), 30 seconds (BBT30sec) and 60 seconds (BBT60sec). Sociodemographic data, diagnosis, comorbidities, and length of stay were recorded. Six months after hospital discharge, telephone contact was made and information was obtained on return to usual/work activities, rehospitalization, falls, functional independence, and the patient's vital status. Bivariate correlation analysis was performed. The independent variables were gender, age, comorbidities, length of stay, and performance on the BBT versions. The dependent variables were usual/work activities, rehospitalization, falls, functional independence, and death. Linear regression models were used to determine whether the BBT versions and sociodemographic variables predict return to usual/work activities, rehospitalization, falls, functional independence, and death.

The participants (50.9±17.2 years old, 60% women) included in the study were composed of 66% with clinical condition and 34% with surgical condition. All versions of the BTT were associated with age and FSS comorbidity (rs=-0.50 to -0.20 and 0.28 to 0.43; p<0.05 for all). Only BBT30s (rs=0.28) and BBT60s (rs=0.37) were directly associated with returning to usual/work activities. There was no association between the BBT versions and the other dependent variables. Patients who resumed their usual/work activities performed better in BBT30s and BBT60s when compared to those who did not resume their activities (BBT30s = 19 ± 6 vs 15 ± 3.5 repetitions, p = 0.007; and BBT60s = 35 ± 11 vs 30 ± 5.4; p=0.015). Lower comorbidity score, female gender, and better performance on the BBT60s were independent predictors of higher return to work, explaining 40% of the variation.

This study demonstrated a modest association between return to work 6 months after discharge and better performance on the BBT60s during hospitalization, including lower scores for comorbidities and female sex. This relationship should be interpreted with caution and confirmed in future studies. The BBT60s is a simple, quick, and useful way to include hospitalized people in the follow-up.

This study allows us to present suggestions for future studies. Thus, it is suggested to continue investigating whether the BBT can be used as a predictor of other outcomes.