A Randomized Trial of an Intensive Physical Therapy Program for Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Early physical therapy (PT) interventions may benefit patients with acute respiratory failure by preventing or attenuating neuromuscular weakness. However, the optimal dosage of these interventions is currently unknown.

Objectives

To determine whether an intensive PT program significantly improves long-term physical functional performance compared with a standard-of-care PT program.

Methods

Patients who required mechanical ventilation for at least 4 days were eligible. Enrolled patients were randomized to receive PT for up to 4 weeks delivered in an intensive or standard-of-care manner. Physical functional performance was assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months in survivors who were not currently in an acute or long-term care facility. The primary outcome was the Con

SUBMITTER: Moss M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4872662 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature