Physical Therapy Interventions for a Patient Requiring Prolonged Intubation Due to Severe COVID-19: A Case Study

Abstract

There is little published information available to guide the acute care physical therapist in caring for acutely ill patients with COVID-19. Significant debility after prolonged stays in the intensive care unit can make rehabilitation more difficult. In this case, a 54-year-old man spent 1 month on mechanical ventilation before initiating therapies. Despite his poor medical prognosis, intensive therapies were initiated—including cardiopulmonary interventions, therapeutic exercise, and neuromuscular re-education. The patient displayed profound improvement andwas able to discharge to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. (CardiopulmPhys Ther J. 2021;32:S28–S31)