Occupational Therapy Intervention for Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Occupational Therapy

Background:

• Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) is a significant clinical challenge.
• ICU-AW leads to prolonged functional limitations and reduced quality of life.
• Effective treatment strategies for ICU-AW are crucial for patient recovery.

Observation:

• A 52-year-old male with ICU-AW secondary to cardiogenic shock was bedridden.
• The patient required assistance for all daily activities.
• Initial assessment indicated severe muscle weakness and functional impairment.

Findings:

• A novel occupational therapy strategy was implemented, including a portable spring balancer (PSB) for upper extremity support.
• Environmental modifications such as a thicker nurse call button and adjusted bed head-up angle were utilized.
• The patient demonstrated significant improvements in upper extremity strength and activities of daily living (ADL), regaining independence in feeding and grooming.

Implications:

• PSB-assisted, goal-directed occupational therapy shows promise as an effective rehabilitation strategy for severe ICU-AW.
• Environmental modifications can enhance patient participation and functional outcomes.
• This approach may offer a safe and beneficial intervention for patients recovering from critical illness.