Patient Information: Male, Age 71
Diagnosis: Fall / Rib Fracture / Pleural Effusion
History: This gentleman was referred to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation services due to the need for assistance with walking and self-care (bathing and dressing) following hospitalization due to a fall with resultant rib fractures and pleural effusion (excessive fluid around the lungs). Prior to hospitalization, he lived at home with his wife and was independent with mobility and self-care.
Pre-Therapy Status:
•Self-Care: Moderate (>50%) assistance for dressing and bathing; requires 2–3 rest breaks during activities. Barthel Index for ADLs (activities of daily living) score 55 out of 100, indicating partial dependence.
•Activity Tolerance: Perceived exertion index (PEI) 7/10, indicating “really tired” during dressing activity.
•Gait: 30 feet with a rolling walker and guiding contact of the therapist for steadying assistance; unable to ascend/descend stairs.
Therapy Information:
•Biophysical Agent/Advanced Technology: OmniFlow™ Breathing Therapy Biofeedback System.
•Frequency: 5x per week.
•Protocol: Occupational Therapist (OT) integrated OmniFlow™ Breathing Therapy Biofeedback System into treatment plan with Diamond Mine visualization to improve controlled inspiratory lung volume, Pre-historic visualization for forced expiratory lung volume, and Starry Road visualization to address coordination of inhalation/exhalation breathing pattern. OmniFlow was utilized for 20 minutes before ADL training.
•Duration: Two weeks.
•Other Therapy Services Provided: Strengthening exercise for both arms, ADL training, and aerobic conditioning exercise.
Outcome:
•Self-Care: Independent for dressing and bathing, requiring no rest breaks.
•Activity Tolerance: PEI score 2/10, indicating “not tired at all” during dressing activity.
•Gait: 150 feet using a rolling walker with supervision for safety and occasional guiding contact of the therapist for steadying assistance. Ascends/descends 4 steps with handrail.
This gentleman commented that use of the OmniFlow™ System, “Increased my endurance and my capacity to take in a deeper breath and clear my phlegm. I had better insight into where I was [with breathing function] and where I progressed.” His occupational therapist commented, “The OmniFlow™ Breathing Therapy Biofeedback System helped keep this gentleman engaged during therapy. The technology provides greater skilled service for breathing therapy and increasing lung capacity than traditional spirometers. This is a great tool!”