Bed rest in health and critical illness: a body systems approach

Cardiorespiratory abnormalities in ICU survivors of COVID-19 with postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection are unrelated to invasive mechanical ventilation

Postacute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (PASC) often leads to exertional intolerance and reduced exercise capacity, particularly in individuals previously admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). However, the impact of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) on PASC-associated cardiorespiratory abnormalities during exercise remains poorly understood. This single-center, cross-sectional study aimed to gather knowledge on this topic. Fifty-two patients with PASC recruited ∼6 mo after ICU discharge were clustered based on their need for IMV (PASC + IMV, n = 27) or noninvasive support therapy (PASC + NIS, n = 25). Patients underwent pulmonary function and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) and were compared with a reference group (CONTROL, n = 19) comprising individuals of both sexes with similar age, comorbidities, and physical activity levels but without a history of COVID-19 illness. Individuals with PASC, irrespective of support therapy, presented with higher rates of cardiorespiratory abnormalities than CONTROL, especially dysfunctional breathing patterns, dynamic hyperinflation, reduced oxygen uptake and oxygen pulse, and blunted heart rate recovery (all P < 0.05). Only the rate of abnormal oxygen pulse was greater among PASC + IMV group than PASC + NIS group (P = 0.05). Mean estimates for all CPX variables were comparable between PASC + IMV and PASC + NIS groups (all P > 0.05). These findings indicate significant involvement of both central and peripheral factors, leading to exertional intolerance in individuals with PASC previously admitted to the ICU, regardless of their need for IMV.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We found cardiorespiratory abnormalities in ICU survivors of severe-to-critical COVID-19 with PASC to be independent of IMV need. Overall, both group of patients experienced dysfunctional breathing patterns, dynamic hyperinflation, lower oxygen uptake and oxygen pulse, and blunted heart rate responses to CPX. PASC seems to impact exertional tolerance and exercise capacity due to ventilatory inefficiency, impaired aerobic metabolism, and potential systolic and autonomic dysfunction, all of these irrespective of support therapy during ICU stay.

Association of early acute-phase rehabilitation initiation on outcomes among patients aged ≥90 years with acute heart failure

BACKGROUND

Data on the potential benefit of acute-phase rehabilitation initiation in very old (aged ≥90) patients with acute heart failure (AHF) have been scarce.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database, which is a nationwide inpatient database. This study included patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF) from January 2010 to March 2018, those aged ≥90 years, who had a length of stay of ≥3 days, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class of ≥II, and had not undergone major procedures under general anesthesia. Propensity score matching and generalized linear models were used to compare in-hospital mortality, length of stay, 30-day readmission rate due to HF, all-cause 30-day readmission, and improvement in activities of daily living (ADL) between patients with and without an acute-phase rehabilitation initiation, which is defined as the rehabilitation initiation within 2 days after hospital admission.

RESULTS

Acute-phase rehabilitation was initiated in 8588 of 41,896 eligible patients. Propensity score matching created 8587 pairs. Patients with acute-phase rehabilitation initiation have lower in-hospital mortality (9.0% vs. 11.2%, p < 0.001). Acute-phase rehabilitation initiation was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 0.778; 95% confidence interval, 0.704-0.860). Patients with acute-phase rehabilitation initiation have a shorter median length of stay (17 days vs. 18 days, p < 0.001), lower 30-day readmission rate due to HF (5.5% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.011) and all-cause 30-day readmission (10.2% vs. 11.2%, p = 0.036), and better ADL improvement (49.7% vs. 46.9%, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed consistent results (sex, body mass index, NYHA class, and Barthel Index).

CONCLUSIONS

The acute-phase rehabilitation initiation was associated with improved short-term clinical outcomes in patients aged ≥90 years with AHF.

Impact of structured physical therapy protocol among heart transplant recipients while on intra-aortic balloon pump in the pretransplant period

BACKGROUND

Use of prolonged femoral intra-aortic balloon pump support limits the mobility of patients awaiting heart transplant. We assessed the safety and outcomes of a structured, tilting physical therapy protocol in patients supported by intra-aortic balloon pumps while awaiting transplant.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed five years of transplant patients. Eighteen patients received femoral intra-aortic balloon support, a heart transplant, and met all eligibility criteria. We compared complications and outcomes between patients who received the structured, tilting physical therapy (Protocol Group) and those that received standard of care (Control Group).

RESULTS

Complications were not significantly different between groups. The majority of the Protocol Group were discharged to home (10/12), while half (3/6) of the Control Group were discharged to a rehabilitation facility. Post-transplant length of stay was significantly less in the Protocol Group (median 16 vs. 28 days, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Despite the small number analyzed, the data indicates that the structured, tilting physical therapy protocol led to a significantly reduced length of stay post-transplantation. Importantly, use of the protocol did not result in access site complications, thrombosis, or arrhythmias in the majority of the patients.

Hindlimb unloading induces time-dependent disruption of testicular histology in mice

Mechanical unloading of the body in the hindlimb unloaded (HU) mice induces pathology in multiple organs, but the effects on testes are poorly characterized. We investigated the histology and Raman spectroscopy of the mouse testes following HU condition. We divided male, c57BL/6j mice into ground-based controls or experimental groups for two and four weeks of HU. The testes tissues were dissected after euthanasia to investigate histological and Raman spectroscopic analysis. We found an HU-induced atrophy of testes irrespective of the time duration (p < 0.05). Histological analysis revealed that the HU induced epithelial thinning, luminal widening, and spermatozoa decline in the seminiferous tubules of the mouse testes. In addition, we found a thickening of the epididymal epithelia and tunica albuginea. These changes were accompanied by a generalized depression in the Raman spectra, indicating an altered concentration and/or orientation of several molecules. We also report reduced signal intensities of hydroxyproline and tryptophan, potentially contributing to testicular pathology during HU. Taken together, our findings indicate that the two or four weeks of HU induce disruption of testicular architecture and molecular phenotypes. Our results may have implications for understanding and/or treating male infertility associated with prolonged bed rest and spaceflight.

Effect of positioning and expiratory rib-cage compression on atelectasis in a patient who required prolonged mechanical ventilation: a case report

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary complications can be caused by intraoperative mechanical ventilation. In particular, prolonged mechanical ventilation is associated with a high mortality rate, a risk of pulmonary complications, prolonged hospitalization, and an unfavorable discharge destination. Pre- and postoperative rehabilitation are important for the resolution of pulmonary complications in acute cases. However, there has been a lack of studies on interventions for pulmonary rehabilitation of patients with chronic pulmonary complications caused by prolonged mechanical ventilation. Accordingly, we describe the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation in such a patient.

CASE PRESENTATION

We examined a 63-year-old Japanese woman with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy after subarachnoid hemorrhage who required prolonged mechanical ventilation. Radiographic and computed tomographic images revealed atelectasis of the right upper lobe. In addition, this atelectasis reduced the tidal volume, minute volume, and oxygen saturation and caused an absence of breath sounds in the right upper lobe during auscultation. We aimed to ameliorate the patient's atelectasis and improve her ventilation parameters by using positioning and expiratory rib-cage compression after endotracheal suctioning. Specifically, the patient was seated in Fowler's position, and mild pressure was applied to the upper thorax during expiration, improving her inspiratory volume. Immediately, breath sounds were audible in the right upper lobe. Furthermore, resolution of the patient's atelectasis was confirmed with chest radiography performed on the same day. In addition, her ventilation parameters (tidal volume, minute volume, and oxygen saturation) improved.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that physical therapists should consider application of specific positioning and expiratory rib-cage compression in patients who exhibit atelectasis because of prolonged mechanical ventilation.

Early Biomarkers of Altered Renal Function and Orthostatic Intolerance During 10-day Bedrest

Exposure to actual or simulated microgravity results in alterations of renal function, fluid redistribution, and bone loss, which is coupled to a rise of urinary calcium excretion. We provided evidence that high calcium delivery to the collecting duct reduces local Aquaporin 2 (AQP2)-mediated water reabsorption under vasopressin action, thus limiting the maximal urinary concentration to reduce calcium saturation. To investigate early renal adaptation into simulated microgravity, we investigated the effects of 10 days of strict bedrest in 10 healthy volunteers. We report here that 10 days of inactivity are associated with a transient, significant decrease (day 5) in vasopressin (copeptin) paralleled by a decrease in AQP2 excretion, consistent with an increased central volume to the heart, resulting in reduced water reabsorption. Moreover, bedrest caused a significant increase in calciuria secondary to bone demineralization paralleled by a decrease in PTH. Urinary osteopontin, a glycoprotein exerting a protective effect on stone formation, was significantly reduced during bedrest. Moreover, a significant increase in adrenomedullin (day 5), a peptide with vasodepressor properties, was observed at day 5, which may contribute to the known reduced orthostatic capacity post-bedrest. We conclude that renal function is altered in simulated microgravity and is associated with an early increase in the risk of stone formation and reduced orthostatic capacity post-bedrest within a few days of inactivity.

Mobile Subthreshold Exercise Program (MSTEP) for concussion: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Subthreshold exercise, defined as aerobic exercise below the level that causes symptoms, has been utilized as a treatment for youth with persistent postconcussive symptoms (PPCS), but there is currently little evidence to guide use. In addition, prior studies of exercise for PPCS have all required multiple in-person visits. We developed a virtual approach for delivering subthreshold exercise to youth with PPCS called the Mobile Subthreshold Exercise Program (MSTEP), and we have now been funded to conduct a large national randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test its efficacy for reducing concussive symptoms and improving health-related quality of life.

METHODS

This investigation is an RCT comparing MSTEP to an active control. We will recruit 200 adolescents 11-18 years old with postconcussive symptoms persisting for at least 1 week but less than 1 year. Youth will be randomized to receive either 6 weeks of subthreshold exercise (MSTEP) or a stretching condition (control). Youth and parents will complete surveys of concussive symptoms at baseline, weekly during the intervention, and at 3 and 6 months. The primary outcomes will be trajectory of concussive symptoms and health-related quality of life over the 6 months of the study. Secondary outcomes will include depression, anxiety, and sleep quality. We will also assess potential mediators of treatment effects including moderate-vigorous physical activity and fear avoidance of concussive symptoms.

DISCUSSION

This multisite RCT of MSTEP will provide vital information regarding the efficacy of a virtually delivered subthreshold exercise program for youth with PPCS, and insight regarding potential mediators of treatment effects, including objectively measured physical activity and fear avoidance of concussive symptoms.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04688255. Registered on December 29, 2020.

Physical and pulmonary capacities of individuals with severe coronavirus disease after hospital discharge: A preliminary cross-sectional study based on cluster analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze the physical and pulmonary capacities of hospitalized patients with severe coronavirus disease and its correlation with the time of hospitalization and complications involved.

METHODS

A total of 54 patients, aged ≥18 years of both sexes, were evaluated 2-4 months after hospital discharge in São Paulo, Brazil. The physical characteristics analyzed were muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and pulmonary function. The K-means cluster algorithm was used to identify patients with similar physical and pulmonary capacities, related to the time of hospitalization.

RESULTS

Two clusters were derived using the K-means algorithm. Patients allocated in cluster 1 had fewer days of hospitalization, intensive care, and intubation than those in cluster 2, which reflected a better physical performance, strength, balance, and pulmonary condition, even 2-4 months after discharge. Days of hospitalization were inversely related to muscle strength, physical performance, and lung function: hand grip D (r=-0.28, p=0.04), Short Physical Performance Battery score (r=-0.28, p=0.03), and forced vital capacity (r=-0.29, p=0.03).

CONCLUSION

Patients with a longer hospitalization time and complications progressed with greater loss of physical and pulmonary capacities.

From iatrogenic harm to iatrogenic violence: corruption and the end of medicine

This paper seizes Ivan Illich's recurring notion of corruption to reflect on medicine's immanent spiral of maleficence. For Illich, the institutionalization of any 'good' necessarily corrupts it, and the institutionalization of health and care under the tutoring hand of medicine has produced counterproductive consequences on every plane. The paper explores the nemetic character of contemporary biomedicine - whose growth in technique has meant a corresponding growth in its capacity for corruption and harm - in an autoethnographic project that apprises and names the escalation from iatrogenic harm to iatrogenic violence that the author discovered at two UK hospitals in 2014. In January, she went to the hospital for a colonoscopy; in November, she finally left, disabled and unmade. In the interim, she suffered infection, sepsis, pneumonia, cardiac arrest, and - worst of all - a factitious psychiatrizing diagnosis embedded in spiralling loops of iatrogenic harm. By reflecting critically on this experience, interlocuting personal memory and writings with doctors' inscribed notes and insights from medical anthropology, the paper elucidates an iatrogenic spiral, showing how unknowable bodies pose an insurmountable epistemic and existential challenge to medicine's technic mandate, how medicine locates and uses an 'epistemic escape valve' in the face of such challenges, and how snowballing nosocomial harm escalates into brutality and vice. The argument, in short, is that iatrogenic violence (destructive, subjective or agentic, and intentional) is the natural endpoint of iatrogenic harm (destructive but objective or systemic, and unintentional).

Rehabilitation through virtual reality: physical activity of patients admitted to the intensive care unit

Objective

To evaluate the level of activity that Nintendo Wii^TM can elicit in intensive care unit patients and its associated safety and patient satisfaction.

Methods

Experimental, single-center study performed at a tertiary care hospital. Patients ≥ 18 years old who were admitted to the intensive care unit, participated in videogames as part of their physical therapy sessions and did not have mobility restrictions were included. Th exclusion criteria were the inability to comprehend instructions and the inability to follow simple commands. We included n = 60 patients and performed 100 sessions. We used the Nintendo Wii^TM gaming system in the sessions. An accelerometer measured the level of physical activity of patients while they played videogames. We evaluated the level of activity, the modified Borg scale scores, the adverse events and the responses to a questionnaire on satisfaction with the activity.

Results

One hundred physical therapy sessions were analyzed. When the patients played the videogame, they reached a light level of activity for 59% of the session duration and a moderate level of activity for 38% of the session duration. No adverse events occurred. A total of 86% of the patients reported that they would like to play the videogame in their future physical therapy sessions.

Conclusion

Virtual rehabilitation elicited light to moderate levels of activity in intensive care unit patients. This therapy is a safe tool and is likely to be chosen by the patient during physical therapy.

Walking While Dialyzing: A Retrospective Observation of Early Mobility and Ambulation for Patients on Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

Objectives

To describe the practice of physical therapy for patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy and assess data related to the safety and feasibility of physical therapy interventions.

Design

A retrospective observational cohort study.

Patients

Surgical and cardiovascular patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy during a 2-year period from December 2016 to November 2018.

Setting

Two ICUs at a single academic medical center.

Intervention

Physical mobility and ambulation while on continuous renal replacement therapy.

Measurements and Main Results

Therapy data including ICU Mobility Scale score, number of physical therapy sessions with and without ambulation and gait distance, along with safety data including filter life, safety events, and mortality were analyzed. The cohort of patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy during the 2-year period was 206. Of these, 172 (83.49%) received simultaneous physical therapy. The median ICU Mobility Scale was 5 (interquartile range, 4-7) over a total of 1,517 physical therapy sessions. Ambulation with concomitant continuous renal replacement therapy connected was achieved in 78 patients (37.86%). There were 377 ambulation sessions (24.85% of all sessions) with a mean of 4.83 (sds 4.94) ambulation sessions per ambulatory patient. Patients walked an average of 888.53 feet (sd 1,365.50) while on continuous renal replacement therapy and a daily average of 150.61 feet (sd 133.50). In-hospital mortality was lowest for patients who ambulated (17.95%) and highest for patients who received no therapy (73.53%). Continuous renal replacement therapy filter life was longest for patients who ambulated (2,047.20 min [sd 1,086.50 min]), and shortest in patients who received no therapy (1,682.20 min [sd 1,343.80 min]). One safety event was reported during this time (0.0007% of all physical therapy sessions).

Conclusions

Ambulation while on continuous renal replacement therapy was not associated with an increased risk of safety events and was feasible with the use of nonfemoral catheters and dialysis equipment with internal batteries.

The Vascular Side of Chronic Bed Rest: When a Therapeutic Approach Becomes Deleterious

The interplay between chronic constraint and advanced aging on blood flow, shear-rate, vascular function, nitric oxide (NO)-bioavailability, microcirculation, and vascular inflammation factors is still a matter of debate. Ninety-eight individuals (Young, n = 28, 23 ± 3 yrs; Old, n = 36, 85 ± 7 yrs; Bedridden, n = 34, 88 ± 6 yrs) were included in the study. The bedridden group included old individuals chronically confined to bed (3.8 ± 2.3 yrs). A blood sample was collected and analyzed for plasma nitrate, and vascular inflammatory markers. Hyperemic response (∆peak) during the single passive leg movement (sPLM) test was used to measure vascular function. Skeletal muscle total hemoglobin was measured at the vastus lateralis during the sPLM test, by means of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Bedridden subjects revealed a depletion of plasma nitrates compared with Old (−23.8%) and Young (−31.1%). Blood flow was lower in the Bedridden in comparison to Old (−20.1%) and Young (−31.7%). Bedridden presented lower sPLM ∆peak compared Old (−72.5%) and the Young (−83.3%). ∆peak of NIRS total hemoglobin was lower in the Bedridden compared to that in the Young (−133%). All vascular inflammatory markers except IL-6 were significantly worse in the Bedridden compared to Old and Young. No differences were found between the Old and Young in inflammatory markers. Results of this study confirm that chronic physical constraint induces an exacerbation of vascular disfunction and differential regulation of vascular-related inflammatory markers. The mechanisms involved in these negative adaptations seems to be associated with endothelial dysfunction and consequent diminished NO-bioavailability likely caused by the reduced shear-rate consequential to long-term reduction of physical activity.

Implications of Bed Rest for Patients with Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

The recommendation of bed rest for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) patients has changed during the last 20 years, and it has become a concern for researchers. The existing researches on potentially harmful treatment of bed rest for DVT patients focus only on physiological outcomes. This qualitative study explored the implications of bed rest from the perspective of patients with acute DVT. Understanding these implications will provide more evidence on whether bed rest should be used as a medical treatment of acute DVT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

For data collection, a descriptive qualitative design utilizing semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews with nine patients with acute DVT was conducted. In order to find the themes and subthemes emerging from the interviews for data analysis, the Colaizzi method, which was suggested by phenomenological methodology, was used.

RESULTS

The four major themes found were physical effects, psychological effects, social effects, and post-trauma growth. These themes illustrated the bed rest experiences of patients and it has a negative impact on the quality of life (QOL) amidst acute DVT.

CONCLUSION

Bed rest for patients with acute DVT is a physically, emotionally, and socially distressing phenomenon that simultaneously affects QOL and induces post-traumatic growth. We believe that bed rest is not beneficial to the physical and mental health of patients with acute DVT. This study adds to the available evidence on the harmful effect of bed rest as a treatment from the perspective of patients with acute DVT. Further quantitative studies should compare the quality of life and psychosocial status of patients with and without bed rest amidst acute DVT.

Early Therapeutic Mobility and Changes in Scores for Pain and Fatigue

This report is a secondary analysis of data from a larger study of a nurse-led early therapeutic mobility intervention among patients receiving mechanical ventilation. This analysis evaluated whether intervention frequency or intensity was associated with pain or fatigue. Frequency was defined as once-daily versus twice-daily interventions. Intensity was defined as low (in-bed activities) or moderate (out-of-bed activities). Thirty-nine patients self-reported pain and fatigue immediately before and after the intervention. Neither pain nor fatigue increased significantly (mean increase, <1 [scale of 0-10] for 95% of interventions). Four patients reported decrements in pain; 1 reported a decrease in fatigue. Less than 5% of enrolled patients indicated a score change of +4 to +6 for pain or fatigue, typically with the first intervention that included sitting at the edge of the bed. Future research could examine the distress associated with these symptoms in critically ill adults receiving early therapeutic mobility interventions.

How much do hospitalized adults move? A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To quantify the type and duration of physical activity performed by hospitalized adults.

BACKGROUND

Inactivity is pervasive among hospitalized patients and is associated with increased mortality, functional decline, and cognitive impairment. Objective measurement of activity is necessary to examine associations with clinical outcomes and quantify optimal inpatient mobility interventions.

METHODS

We used PRISMA guidelines to search three databases in December 2017 to retrieve original research evaluating activity type and duration among adult acute-care inpatients. We abstracted data on inpatient population, measurement method, monitoring time, activity duration, and study quality.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight articles were included in the review and 7 articles were included in the meta-analysis. Study populations included geriatric (n = 5), surgical (n = 5), medical (n = 12), post-stroke (n = 10), psychiatric (n = 2), and critical care inpatients (n = 4). To measure activity, 29% of studies used human observation and 71% used activity monitors. Among inpatient populations, 87-100% of time was spent sitting or lying in-bed. Among medical inpatients monitored over a continuous 24-hour period (n = 7), 70 min per day was spent standing/walking (95% CI 57-83 min).

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides a baseline assessment and benchmark of inpatient activity, which can be used to compare inpatient mobility practices. While there is substantial heterogeneity in how researchers measure and define how much inpatients move, there is consistent evidence that patients are mostly inactive and in-bed during hospitalization. Future research is needed to establish standardized methods to accurately and consistently measure inpatient mobility over time.

State-of-the-Art Exercise Concepts for Lumbopelvic and Spinal Muscles - Transferability to Microgravity

Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Over the last three decades, changes to key recommendations in clinical practice guidelines for management of LBP have placed greater emphasis on self-management and utilization of exercise programs targeting improvements in function. Recommendations have also suggested that physical treatments for persistent LBP should be tailored to the individual. This mini review will draw parallels between changes, which occur to the neuromuscular system in microgravity and conditions such as LBP which occur on Earth. Prolonged exposure to microgravity is associated with both LBP and muscle atrophy of the intrinsic muscles of the spine, including the lumbar multifidus. The finding of atrophy of spinal muscles has also commonly been reported in terrestrial LBP sufferers. Studying astronauts provides a unique perspective and valuable model for testing the effectiveness of exercise interventions, which have been developed on Earth. One such approach is motor control training, which is a broad term that can include all the sensory and motor aspects of spinal motor function. There is evidence to support the use of this exercise approach, but unlike changes seen in muscles of LBP sufferers on Earth, the changes induced by exposure to microgravity are rapid, and are relatively consistent in nature. Drawing parallels between changes which occur to the neuromuscular system in the absence of gravity and which exercises best restore size and function could help health professionals tailor improved interventions for terrestrial populations.

Shoulder and arm muscle activity during elastic band exercises performed in a hospital bed

OBJECTIVE

Muscle atrophy is a common side-effect of bed rest during hospitalization. However, resistance training may minimize or even prevent these complications. Therefore, we evaluated the efficiency of four upper-body elastic resistance exercises that could be performed while lying or sitting in a hospital bed.

METHODS

Twenty-two healthy subjects performed three repetitions of each exercise in a supine and seated position with a perceived intensity of 3 (low) and 8 (high) on the Borg CR10 Scale. Surface electromyography was collected from 12 shoulder and arm muscles (e.g. trapezius, deltoideus, and biceps brachii), and normalized to a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (nEMG).

RESULTS

During all exercises performed at high intensity, moderate (>40%) to high (>60%) levels of nEMG were found for the majority of the analysed muscles, e.g. deltoideus (from 37% to 69%, median 57.5%), trapezius (from 43% to 66%, median 51%), and infraspinatus (from 54% to 66%, median 59%), with the exception of pectoralis major (from 29% to 47%, median 39.5%) and latissimus dorsi (from 15% to 22%, median 18.5%). No significant differences were found between the supine and seated positions for any of the exercises.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that high levels of shoulder and arm muscle activity can be achieved while lying or sitting in a hospital bed using appropriate exercises with elastic bands. The data presented here can be used by physiotherapists as a guideline for selecting suitable and effective strengthening exercises during in-hospital rehabilitation to counteract bed-rest related muscle atrophy in the upper body.

Psychiatric In-Patients Are More Likely to Meet Recommended Levels of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity If They Engage in Exercise and Sport Therapy Programs

Background: People with mental disorders engage in sedentary behaviors more often than their healthy counterparts. In Switzerland, nearly all psychiatric hospitals offer structured exercise and sport therapy as part of their standard therapeutic treatment. However, little is known about the degree to which psychiatric patients make use of these treatment offers. The aim of this study is to examine, in a sample of psychiatric in-patients (a) how many participate in the structured exercise and sport therapy programs offered by the clinic, (b) how many engage in exercise and sport activities on an individual basis, and (c) how many meet recommended levels of health-enhancing physical activity during their stay at the clinic. Furthermore, we examine whether those who engage in exercise and sport activities are more likely to meet internationally accepted physical activity recommendations. Methods: 107 psychiatric in-patients (49% women, M_age = 39.9 years) were recruited at three psychiatric clinics in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. All participants were engaged in treatment and received usual care. Based on accelerometer data, participants were classified as either meeting or not meeting physical activity recommendations (≥150 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week). Participation in structured and individually performed exercise and sport activities was assessed with the Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: In total, 57% of all patients met physical activity recommendations. 55% participated in structured exercise and sport therapy activities, whereas only 22% of all patients engaged in exercise and sport activities independently. Psychiatric patients were significantly more likely to meet recommended levels of health-enhancing physical activity if they engaged in at least 60 min per week of structured exercise and sport therapy or in at least 30 min of individually performed exercise and sport activity. Conclusions: Given that prolonged immobilization and sedentary behavior have harmful effects on patients' physical and mental well-being, promoting exercise and sport activities is an important endeavor in psychiatric care. Clinics currently succeed in involving between 50 and 60% of all patients in sufficient physical activity. While this is encouraging, more systematic efforts are needed to ensure that all patients get enough physical activity.

Safety and Feasibility of Rehabilitation Interventions in Children Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant With Thrombocytopenia

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the relation between platelet counts, intensities of physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) services received, and frequencies of bleeding complications in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) during a period of severe thrombocytopenia.

DESIGN

Retrospective review study.

SETTING

Tertiary care hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Children (N=63; age, <18y) hospitalized for HSCT in 2010 and 2011 who received PT and OT services while markedly thrombocytopenic (platelet count, ≤50K/mcL).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Intensities of PT and OT interventions, patients' platelet counts on specific therapy days, and any bleeding events (minor or major) that occurred during or shortly after rehabilitation interventions.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients (accounting for 63 HSCTs) met the criteria for analysis. Fifty-six of these patients (57 HSCTs) underwent PT and/or OT while markedly thrombocytopenic. There was no correlation between platelet counts and intensities of rehabilitation interventions. There were no major bleeding events. There was no association between minor bleeding events and intensities of PT or OT interventions and no association between minor bleeding events and platelet counts. Only 5 minor bleeding events occurred during or after moderate or intensive therapy out of 346 PT and OT sessions (1.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study suggest that bleeding complications during or after mobilization and supervised exercise during PT and OT in children with severe thrombocytopenia undergoing HSCT are minor and relatively rare. These are encouraging results for both patients and rehabilitation specialists treating this population who is at high risk of developing immobility-related complications.

Effectiveness of an early mobilization program on functional capacity after coronary artery bypass surgery: A randomized controlled trial protocol

Background:

Muscle atrophy and prolonged inactivity are associated with an increased sensation of fatigue and reduced functional capacity in the postoperative period in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Cardiac rehabilitation after hospital discharge is highly recommended and contributes to improvement in functional capacity and quality of life. However, few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of early mobilization protocols during hospitalization on the patterns of physical activity and functional capacity after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objective:

To investigate the effectiveness of an early mobilization program on the functional capacity of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in the short and long term.

Methods:

This is a prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind trial protocol that will evaluate 66 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Patients will be randomized into two training groups: the control group (N = 33), which will perform breathing exercises and the intervention group (N = 33), which will perform breathing exercises and aerobic exercises. The groups will receive treatment from first to the seventh postoperative day, twice daily. In the preoperative period, the following outcomes will be assessed: physical activity level (Baecke Questionnaire), Functional Independence Measure, and functional capacity (6-min walking test). Functional capacity will be reassessed after the 7th and 60th postoperative day. Pulmonary complications and length of hospital stay will also be evaluated. Statistical analysis will be calculated using linear mixed models and will be based on intention-to-treat. The level of significance will be set at α = 5%.

Mobility and Ambulation for Patients with Pulmonary Artery Catheters: A Retrospective Descriptive Study

PURPOSE

The purposes of this retrospective study are to: 1) describe the amount and type of documented mobility activity for patients with an indwelling Pulmonary Artery Catheter (PAC) and 2) document the frequency and type of complications that occur with an indwelling PAC during patient participation in these activities.

METHODS

This study is a single-center, retrospective, descriptive study including all patients (>18 years) between June 2010 and October 2012 with an indwelling PAC in the Cardiology Intensive Care Unit (CICU). Data was extracted on all documented mobility activity each of these patients performed with nursing or during skilled treatments provided by a physical therapist (PT), or occupational therapist (OT). Any notation of PAC-related complications while the PAC was in place was recorded.

RESULTS

In the CICU over a 29-month period, 366 patients with indwelling PACs performed bed mobility, transfers, ambulation and climbed stairs with no reports of PAC complications during or in relation to participation in mobility activity.

CONCLUSION

The data suggests that participation in mobility activities does not place patients with an indwelling PAC at increased risk of PAC related complications. This data further supports the involvement of rehabilitation specialists in the CICU. Future prospective research is necessary to measure the effects of physical therapy treatment on patients with indwelling PAC.

Back to basics: importance of nursing interventions in the elderly critical care patient

The global population is aging, and with that comes new challenges. Optimal care must be delivered to minimize the time spent in the acute care setting. Avoiding costly complications and focusing on health promotion rather than disease management will be key. Geriatrics is a complex patient population and basic nursing care is essential to prevent unnecessary complications if our health care system is to survive. Our profession is ill prepared to optimally care for this patient population.

Early mobilization on continuous renal replacement therapy is safe and may improve filter life

Introduction

Despite studies demonstrating benefit, patients with femoral vascular catheters placed for continuous renal replacement therapy are frequently restricted from mobilization. No researchers have reported filter pressures during mobilization, and it is unknown whether mobilization is safe or affects filter lifespan. Our objective in this study was to test the safety and feasibility of mobilization in this population.

Methods

A total of 33 patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy via femoral, subclavian or internal jugular vascular access catheters at two general medical-surgical intensive care units in Australia were enrolled. Patients underwent one of three levels of mobilization intervention as appropriate: (1) passive bed exercises, (2) sitting on the bed edge or (3) standing and/or marching. Catheter dislodgement, haematoma and bleeding during and following interventions were evaluated. Filter pressure parameters and lifespan (hours), nursing workload and concern were also measured.

Results

No episodes of filter occlusion or failure occurred during any of the interventions. No adverse events were detected. The intervention filters lasted longer than the nonintervention filters (regression coefficient = 13.8 (robust 95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.0 to 22.6), P = 0.003). In sensitivity analyses, we found that filter life was longer in patients who had more position changes (regression coefficient = 2.0 (robust 95% CI = 0.6 to 3.5), P = 0.007). The nursing workloads between the intervention shift and the following shift were similar.

Conclusions

Mobilization during renal replacement therapy via a vascular catheter in patients who are critically ill is safe and may increase filter life. These findings have significant implications for the current mobility restrictions imposed on patients with femoral vascular catheters for renal replacement therapy.

Trial registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12611000733976 (registered 13 July 2011)

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/cc14001) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The study of activity in older ICU patients: an integrative review

The purpose of this study was to review relevant literature on activity of older critically ill patients, including activity interventions conducted in this population, with a focus on activity measurement and technology. Literature published between 1996 and 2012 was reviewed using keywords older adults, inactivity, mobility, progressive mobility, rehabilitation, ambulation, early mobilization, ICU (intensive care unit), and accelerometry using CINAHL, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Previous relevant research is discussed and includes intervention and nonintervention studies. Although studies have demonstrated the benefits of early mobilization in the ICU setting, this research has not focused on the high-risk older adult ICU population, nor has it addressed how best to quantify these clinical activities. Current technologies, such as accelerometry, may assist in measuring patient activity and in mobilizing high-risk patients during acute, critical illness.

The Chelsea critical care physical assessment tool (CPAx): validation of an innovative new tool to measure physical morbidity in the general adult critical care population; an observational proof-of-concept pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To develop a scoring system to measure physical morbidity in critical care - the Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment Tool (CPAx).

METHOD

The development process was iterative involving content validity indices (CVI), a focus group and an observational study of 33 patients to test construct validity against the Medical Research Council score for muscle strength, peak cough flow, Australian Therapy Outcome Measures score, Glasgow Coma Scale score, Bloomsbury sedation score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, Short Form 36 (SF-36) score, days of mechanical ventilation and inter-rater reliability.

PARTICIPANTS

Trauma and general critical care patients from two London teaching hospitals.

RESULTS

Users of the CPAx felt that it possessed content validity, giving a final CVI of 1.00 (P<0.05). Construct validation data showed moderate to strong significant correlations between the CPAx score and all secondary measures, apart from the mental component of the SF-36 which demonstrated weak correlation with the CPAx score (r=0.024, P=0.720). Reliability testing showed internal consistency of α=0.798 and inter-rater reliability of κ=0.988 (95% confidence interval 0.791 to 1.000) between five raters.

CONCLUSION

This pilot work supports proof of concept of the CPAx as a measure of physical morbidity in the critical care population, and is a cogent argument for further investigation of the scoring system.