Individuals with cardiopulmonary conditions often present with dyspnea, severe weakness, poor endurance, limited mobility, and decreased activity tolerance. As their disease state progresses, their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) declines, ultimately leading to a loss of independence. A therapy plan of care that includes breathing exercises, energy conservation techniques (e.g., paced activity, assistive device, task planning), and ventilatory strategies may improve the individual’s breathing and functional performance as well as help maintain independence.
Ventilatory Strategies for Cardiopulmonary Conditions
Topics: Clinical Tip, Cardiopulmonary
Improving Functional Mobility and Cardiovascular Endurance with Electrical Stimulation and Exercise
Patient Information: Male, Age 73
Diagnosis: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbation.
History: This gentleman was referred to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation services to address significant weakness and functional decline after an exacerbation of COPD.
Topics: Patient Success Story, Cardiopulmonary
Ventilatory Strategies for Cardiopulmonary Conditions
Individuals with cardiopulmonary conditions often present with dyspnea, severe weakness, poor endurance, limited mobility, and decreased activity tolerance. As their disease state progresses, their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) declines, ultimately leading to a loss of independence. A therapy plan of care that includes breathing exercises, energy conservation techniques (e.g., paced activity, assistive device, task planning), and ventilatory strategies may improve the individual’s breathing and functional performance as well as help maintain independence.
Topics: Clinical Tip, Cardiopulmonary
Improving Activity Tolerance and Functional Mobility Using Breathing Therapy and Exercise
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.
Topics: Patient Success Story, Cardiopulmonary
Improving Activity Tolerance and Functional Mobility Using Breathing Therapy and Exercise
Patient Information: Female, Age 64
Diagnosis: Acute Respiratory Failure / COVID-19 / Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Topics: Patient Success Story, Cardiopulmonary
Rehabilitation in Individuals with Long COVID
According to the CDC, in the U.S. there have been more than 33.9 million cases since January 2020. As many as 1 in 10 of those who develop COVID-19 exhibit new and prolonged symptoms lasting 12 weeks or longer. This is known as long COVID and occurs regardless of the severity of the acute illness. These individuals may have multisystem involvement with the most common symptoms after 6 months being fatigue, post-exertional symptom exacerbation (PESE), and problems with memory and concentration (brain fog). Therapists should screen for PESE, a worsening of symptoms typically 12 to 48 hours following even minimal cognitive, physical, emotional, or social activity that may last for days or weeks. (World Physiotherapy, 2021)
Topics: Clinical Tip, Cardiopulmonary
Improving ADL Performance and Independence in Chronic Conditions
According to the CDC, 78% of adults over 55 in the U.S. have one or more chronic conditions. The ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) such as transfers, dressing, and bathing along with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) such as shopping, cooking, and cleaning informs healthcare professionals regarding the individual’s level of independence. With chronic conditions such as COPD, chronic heart failure, stroke, and diabetes, individuals may have dyspnea, weakness, and poor aerobic capacity which in turn may lead to impaired ability to perform ADLs and IADLs.
Topics: Clinical Tip, Cardiopulmonary
Rehabilitation for Individuals with Pulmonary Conditions
Respiratory diseases are among the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. In 2019, chronic lower respiratory disease including asthma, but predominately chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), was the 4th leading cause of death and influenza and pneumonia the 9th leading cause of death (Kochanek et al., 2020). The ranking for 2020 will likely change due to COVID-19-related deaths at greater than 500,000.
Topics: Clinical Tip, Cardiopulmonary
Improving Functional Mobility Using Exercise
Patient Information: Female, Age 85
Diagnosis: Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) / Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) / Muscle Weakness
Topics: Patient Success Story, Cardiopulmonary
Biophysical Agents and Advanced Technologies in the Rehabilitation of Patients with Heart Failure
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States with greater than 600,000 deaths attributed each year. Along with other conditions such as diabetes and obesity, heart disease may lead to heart failure which affects 6.2 million Americans per year (CDC, 2020).
Topics: Clinical Tip, Cardiopulmonary