Quality of Life Improves with Individualized Home-based Exercises in Critical Care Survivors.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aims to determine the effect of individualized home-based exercise on the quality of life post-Intensive Care Unit (ICU) discharge. SUBJECTS: Adult patients invasively mechanically ventilated for more than 48 h in medical ICU. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-five patients were enrolled prospectively in this study. They were interviewed to complete short form 36 (SF-36) version 2 questionnaire and were randomly allocated to control and experimental group by block randomization. The experimental group received individualized exercise information sheet and control group was asked to continue routine exercises done during their hospital stay. The experimental group also received a log book and weekly telephonic reminders. Patients were interviewed to complete the SF-36 through the telephone 4 weeks after hospital discharge. RESULTS: Physical and mental components of the quality of life as measured by the SF-36 at the end of 4 weeks after hospital discharge showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in the experimental group. CONCLUSION: A well-structured individualized exercise program improves the quality of life of critically ill patients after discharge.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Balance Deficits and Gait Deviations in COPD Patients.

Background: The gait abnormalities were linked to the balance deficits in the previous studies. However, the deviations in the gait parameters in COPD are currently not known. The study aims to compare gait parameters, static and dynamic balance, and risk of falls in COPD with those in non-COPD individuals. Method: Fourty-two patients with COPD aged 45 years and gender-matched control subjects were included in the study. Gait parameters were assessed by Win-Track gait analyzer, the static balance was assessed by posturography, and the dynamic balance was assessed by the time up and go test. The fear of falls was assessed by Falls Efficacy Scale. Results: COPD individuals had decreased static and dynamic balance as assessed by posturography (p < 0.05) and TUG (p < 0.01), respectively. A significant difference in swing duration (p=0.004) and also increased risk of falls (p < 0.01) was observed in COPD patients as compared to non-COPD individuals. Conclusion: COPD individuals have increased swing duration, reduced static and dynamic balance, and increased fear of falls as compared to non-COPD individuals.