The aim of this study is to compare a low versus high intensity physiotherapy early
rehabilitation program combined with a low versus high dose vitamin D early rehabilitation
program in a randomized controlled trial among elderly patients with acute hip fracture in an
acute care setting. The primary outcome to be compared between treatment arms is the rate of
falls during a 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes are injurious falls, number of persons
who fell, low-trauma fractures (at the hip, forearm, humerus, pelvis, ankle, spine, femur,
tibia), disability, quality of life (Euro-Qol), mortality and health care utilization.
Another secondary outcome will be admission to nursing home compared between treatment arms
among subjects, who are community-dwelling prior to the index hip fracture. Admission to
nursing home is the marker of loss of independence for the individual, but also triggers high
cost for the society.
The study will provide new early rehabilitation guidelines to allocate health care resources
efficiently in the acute care setting. Eventually and most importantly, the study will help
improve outcomes in patients with hip fractures.