In a recent trial conducted by a group of researchers that included Dr. Hall, 104 critical care patients who required ventilation were randomized to either early physical and occupational therapy during periods of daily interruption of sedation, or to daily interruption of sedation with therapy as ordered by the primary care team (Lancet 2009;373:1874-82). Compared with controls, patients who received early physical and occupational therapy had better return to independent functional status at hospital discharge (59% vs. 35%, respectively) and less ICU delirium (2 days vs. 4 days).
Dr. Hall concluded by noting that the brain and the neurologic and musculoskeletal systems "are likely the last to recover after ALI/ARDS, and may not recover fully to the status patients had before. We don’t know what matters most for long-term recovery. It’s reasonable to think that shortening ICU and mechanical ventilation time would be beneficial."
Dr. Hall disclosed that he receives honoraria from the American College of Chest Physicians and the American Thoracic Society.