Exercise testing of patients after a period of prolonged mechanical ventilation

Abstract

In this study, physical recovery of patients who received prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) was assessed with a six-phase functional exercise test after the period of ventilation. A prospective correlation study using a consecutive sampling method was carried out over a six-month period. Thirty-one patients were tested but five were lost to follow-up Statistical tests included the Pearson’s correlation coefficient, student’s paired t-test and Kaplan-Meier survival estimate. Subjective perceived effort changed significantly from phase to phase in the exercise test and over time (p < 0.00) Heart rate and respiratory rate responses indicated increased cardio-respiratory effort during the test. No correlation existed between subjective perceived