Physical and Occupational Therapy: No Time like the Present

Despite a high acuity of illness, early physical and occupational therapy is feasible in mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units.

Survivors of critical illness often experience neuromuscular weakness and diffuse atrophy from prolonged immobility. Early physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) has the potential to improve patients' functional status, but how soon is too soon for PT or OT for patients who receive mechanical ventilation?

Researchers performed a descriptive study of 49 mechanically ventilated patients who received early PT/OT at two U.S. tertiary academic medical centers. Patients were assessed daily with a PT/OT safety screen. If patients could follow commands (after sedative interruption), they actively participated in therapy sessions performed by a physical therapist and an occupational therapist. Patients who remained unresponsive underwent…

Reviewing Author

Neil H. Winawer, MD, SFHM

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Neil H. Winawer, MD, SFHM

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose