Patient Information: Female, Age 64
Diagnosis: Acute Respiratory Failure / COVID-19 / Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
History:
This woman was referred to a skilled nursing facility due to severe debility following a seven week hospitalization due to COVID-19. Her condition was complicated by diabetes, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis. At the time of hospital discharge, she required 8 liters per minute of supplemental oxygen to maintain oxygen saturation level. Prior to hospitalization she lived with her family in a 2-story home, was independent with walking and all self-care, and worked as a construction supervisor.
Pre-Therapy Status:
•Bed Mobility: Moderate (> 50%) assistance.
•Transfers: Moderate (>50%) assistance.
•Self-Care: Minimal (25%) assistance for upper body dressing; moderate (>50%) assistance for lower body dressing, bathing, and toileting.
•Ambulation: 50 feet with a rolling walker and moderate (> 50%) assistance.
Therapy Information:
•Biophysical Agent/Advanced Technology: OmniFlow™ Breathing Therapy Biofeedback System.
•Frequency: 3–5x per week.
•Protocol: After three weeks of therapy, OmniFlow™ Breathing Therapy Biofeedback system was added to the treatment plan for rhythmic and expiratory breathing training using Starry Road, Diamond Mine, and Pre-Historic Contest visualizations.
•Duration: Five weeks.
•Other Therapy Services Provided: Bed mobility, transfer training, ambulation, ADL/Self-care training, and breathing exercises.
Outcome:
•Bed Mobility: Independent.
•Transfers: Independent.
•Self-Care: Independent for upper and lower body dressing, bathing, and toileting.
•Ambulation: 250 feet with a rolling walker; ascend and descend 1 flight of stairs with close supervision.
This woman is very pleased with her outcomes in therapy and is going home much sooner than she expected! She reports breathing exercises with OmniFlow™ helped her to recover faster and it was fun, encouraging her to do more. Her therapist reports this woman had great improvement. Her inspiratory volume with incentive spirometry improved from 500 cc to 1250 cc. She no longer requires oxygen supplementation and is now strong enough to go home.