A study by Nolan and Thomas examined the effects of a Functional Maintenance Program (FMP) involving individually tailored exercise programs for 220 hospitalized patients aged 70 and older at risk for functional decline. The FMP helped reduce patient length of stay by 15.7% and readmission rates were under 8% with improved mobility. The study suggests that exercise programs for older patients starting within 48 hours of admission can decrease functional decline and recovery time, leading to improved health outcomes.