RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Effects of Exercise Training on Pulmonary Mechanics and Functional Status in Patients With Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation JF Respiratory Care FD American Association for Respiratory Care SP 727 OP 734 DO 10.4187/respcare.01341 VO 57 IS 5 A1 Chen, Yen-Huey A1 Lin, Hui-Ling A1 Hsiao, Hsiu-Feng A1 Chou, Lan-Ti A1 Kao, Kuo-Chin A1 Huang, Chung-Chi A1 Tsai, Ying-Huang YR 2012 UL http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/57/5/727.abstract AB BACKGROUND: The functional status and outcomes in patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) are often limited by poor endurance and pulmonary mechanics, which result from the primary diseases or prolonged time bedridden. We evaluate the impact of exercise training on pulmonary mechanics, physical functional status, and hospitalization outcomes in PMV patients. METHODS: Twenty-seven subjects with PMV in our respiratory care center (RCC) were divided randomly into an exercise training group (n = 12) and a control group (n = 15). The exercise program comprised 10 sessions of exercise training. The measurement of pulmonary mechanics and physical functional status (Functional Independence Measurement and Barthel index) were performed pre-study and post-study. The hospitalization outcomes included: days of mechanical ventilation, hospitalization days, and weaning and mortality rates during RCC stay. RESULTS: The training group had significant improvement in tidal volume (143.6 mL vs 192.5 mL, P = .02) and rapid shallow breathing index after training (162.2 vs 110.6, P = .009). No significant change was found in the control group except respiratory rate. Both groups had significant improvement in functional status during the study. However, the training group had greater changes in FIM score than the control group (44.6 vs 34.2, P = .024). The training group also had shorter RCC stay and higher weaning and survival rates than the control group, although no statistical difference was found. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with PMV in our RCC demonstrated significant improvement in pulmonary mechanics and functional status after exercise training. The application of exercise training may be helpful for PMV patients to improve hospitalization outcomes.