Conclusions There is considerable variability in the type of measures utilized to measure physical impairments and limitations in survivors of critical illness .
Purpose To identify measures used to evaluate the broad constructs of functional impairment and limitations in the critically ill across the continuum of recovery , and to evaluate , synthesis e and compare the clinimetric properties of the measures identified .
Rehabilitation therapy and outcomes in acute respiratory failure: an observational pilot project.
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to describe the frequency , physiologic effects , safety , and patient outcomes associated with traditional rehabilitation therapy in patients who require mechanical ventilation . MATERIAL S AND METHODS Prospect i ve observational report of consecutive patients ventilated 4 or more days and eligible for rehabilitation in a single medical intensive care unit ( ICU ) during a 13-week period was conducted . RESULTS Of the 32 patients who met the inclusion criteria , only 21 ( 66 % ) received physician orders for evaluation by rehabilitation services ( physical and /or occupational therapy ) . Fifty rehabilitation treatments were provided to 19 patients on a median of 12 % of medical ICU days per patient , with deep sedation and unavailability of rehabilitation staff representing major barriers to treatment . Physiologic changes during rehabilitation therapy were minimal . Joint contractures were frequent in the lower extremities and did not improve during hospitalization . In 53 % and 79 % of initial ICU assessment s , muscle weakness was present in upper and lower extremities , respectively , with a decreased prevalence of 19 % and 43 % at hospital discharge , respectively . New impairments in physical function were common at hospital discharge . CONCLUSIONS This pilot project illustrated important barriers to providing rehabilitation to mechanically ventilated patients in an ICU and impairments in strength , range of motion , and functional outcomes at hospital discharge
Conclusions There is considerable variability in the type of measures utilized to measure physical impairments and limitations in survivors of critical illness .
Purpose To identify measures used to evaluate the broad constructs of functional impairment and limitations in the critically ill across the continuum of recovery , and to evaluate , synthesis e and compare the clinimetric properties of the measures identified .