Why is it Important to Encourage Patients to Move? #EndPJParalysis

End PJ Paralysis is a national campaign that promotes the importance of helping hospital patients get up, get dressed, and stay active during their stay. Remaining in bed for extended periods can lead to complications such as muscle loss, weakness, constipation, and poor nutrition. By promoting regular movement and encouraging patients to wear their day clothes, we can help speed up recovery, reduce hospital stays, and support greater independence, strength, and overall well-being.

In this blog, we explore the physical and mental impacts of hospital deconditioning and the ways we can encourage mobility in patients.

 

Why is Ending PJ Paralysis Important?

Ending PJ Paralysis is essential for improving patient outcomes, preserving dignity, and increasing faster recoveries during hospital stays. When patients remain in bed for extended periods—often dressed in pyjamas or nightwear—it can lead to a rapid decline in their physical and mental health. This inactivity, known as deconditioning, is not just about muscle weakness; it can also result in reduced mobility, increased risk of falls, poor nutrition, constipation, confusion, and even depression.

A study by Kortebein et al. found that healthy older adults lose approximately 0.95 kg (0.63 kg per week) of lean leg mass after just 10 days of bed rest.

Wearing day clothes instead of pyjamas plays a key psychological role too. Pyjamas can unintentionally signal illness, whereas getting dressed each day encourages a sense of normality, confidence, and readiness to engage in recovery. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.

Encouraging patients to get up, dress, and move—even in small ways like sitting in a chair for meals, walking to the bathroom, or participating in simple exercises—can help shorten hospital stays, maintain independence, and improve overall wellbeing.

Though older adults are more vulnerable to the effects of immobility, it is an issue that can affect anyone. Prolonged periods of immobility can cause:

• Loss of functional ability
• Cognitive impairment
• Weakness and muscle loss
• Constipation and malnutrition
• Reduced circulation
• Lack of independence, confidence and quality of life

What can loved ones do to End PJ Paralysis?

Families and friends play a crucial role in supporting patients to End PJ Paralysis. Here’s how they can help:

• Encourage movement: Gently motivate and remind patients to get out of bed, get dressed, and move around when possible.

• Visit actively: Instead of just sitting by the bedside, encourage patients to sit in a chair or take a short walk during visits.

• Provide emotional support: Offer positive encouragement and celebrate small achievements to boost confidence and morale.

• Help with daily activities: Assist patients in dressing, grooming, or simple exercises to promote independence.

• Communicate with healthcare staff: Talk about the importance of patient movement and ask about safe ways to support mobility.

• Bring comfort items: Comfortable clothes and proper shoes from home can encourage patients to dress and move.

• Stay informed: Learn about PJ Paralysis and share helpful resources with the patient and care team.

By being proactive and supportive, families and friends can make a big difference in helping patients stay active and recover more quickly.

What can patients do to End PJ Paralysis?

Research has shown that a stay in hospital over 10 days can lead to 10 years of muscle ageing for patients who are aged over 80 years. This research also showed that 35% of 70-year-old in-patients experience functional decline during their hospital admission in comparison with their pre-illness baseline.

Getting up and moving can reduce the length of a patient’s hospital stay, and this is particularly important for those over 80 years old.

There are some small ways that patients can be more active and encourage a quicker recovery. Some examples include:

• Get up and get dressed: Changing out of pyjamas into day clothes helps boost motivation, confidence, and a sense of normalcy.

• Move regularly: Even small movements like sitting up in bed, standing, or short walks can prevent muscle loss and improve circulation.

• Take meals outside of bed: Eating while seated promotes better digestion and encourages getting out of bed.

• Try simple exercises: Gentle exercises—either seated or standing—can maintain strength and flexibility.

• Wear supportive shoes: Comfortable, well-fitting shoes help with balance and stability when moving around.

• Set goals: Working with healthcare staff to set achievable mobility goals can provide motivation and track progress.

• Ask for support: Don’t hesitate to ask nurses, therapists, or family members for help getting up and moving safely.

Positive outcomes of patient movement

An article from the NHS highlights the positive results of an impressive initiative held between 2021 and 2022. A total of 178 teams participated in the (de)Conditioning Games across health and social care settings in the East of England. The initiative aimed to promote safe physical activity among inpatients.

Some positive outcomes included:

• A reduction in falls at Northampton General Hospital and various care homes across Essex

• Enhanced nutritional care in the neuro unit at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

• Improved confidence, mental wellbeing, and mobility reported in the older adult wards at Luton and Dunstable and Cambridge University Hospitals, with no increase in care needs upon discharge

A study by the NIHR indicates that encouraging mobility in medical patients can shorten hospital stays by an average of two days for older adults admitted for medical treatment. Beyond the clear physical benefits, movement also offers significant mental health advantages.

Regular exercise and movement help reduce anxiety and depression. Participating in exercise-related social groups can boost social interaction and reduce feelings of loneliness, while increased physical activity also promotes better sleep quality.

Learn more about #EndPJParalysis

There are numerous excellent resources available from the campaign, including printable posters, facts, and suggestions to help encourage inpatient movement and mobility. Below are links to useful resources.

#EndPJParalysis | NHS | Recondition the nation | Why does #EndPJParalysis matter? Video

 

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