Patient Information: Male, Age 75
Diagnosis: Peripheral Vascular Disease / Falls / Muscle Weakness
History: This gentleman was referred to a skilled nursing facility with severe debility after hospitalization due to a fall at home. Following the fall, he laid on the floor for two days before being discovered by his home health nurse. At the time of hospital admission, he suffered from acute renal failure, altered mental status, and infected wounds on both legs. Prior to the fall, this gentleman lived alone, walked with a straight cane, and was independent with all self-care, household and community activities.
Pre-Therapy Status:
• Bed Mobility: Dependent (100% assistance); unable to roll side-to-side or move from lying down to sitting.
• Transfers: Dependent (100% assistance); required a mechanical lift.
• Ambulation: Unable to walk; moderate (> 50%) assistance for wheelchair mobility.
Therapy Information:
• Modality: OmniVersa® Multi-Modality Therapy System / OmniCycle® Elite Motorized Therapeutic Exercise System.
• Frequency: 5x per week.
• Protocol Specifics: Lower extremity triphasic PENS to both quadriceps/hamstrings for neuromuscular re-education and strengthening. Progressed to lower extremity cycling PENS with OmniCycle® neuro mode using soccer and traffic biofeedback activities to increase strength and reciprocal coordination.
• Duration: Nine weeks.
• Other Therapy Services Provided: Therapeutic exercise, therapeutic activities, balance training, and gait training.
Outcome:
• Bed mobility: Independent.
• Transfers: Independent using a straight cane.
• Ambulation: >1000 feet using a straight cane.
This gentleman’s physical therapist (PT) is pleased with the progress he made in therapy! He reports electrical stimulation was started right away, and in only 2 – 3 weeks the gentleman was able to begin transferring with assistance, without the need for the mechanical lift. The PT attributes the quick progression of his recovery to the use of electrical stimulation and notes that it played a key role in getting this gentleman back to walking with a straight cane. He is hopeful to return home with family soon.