Verticalization was reported to improve the level of arousal and awareness in patients with severe acquired brain injury (ABI) and to be safe in ICU. The investigators evaluated the effectiveness of a very early stepping verticalization protocol on the functional and neurological outcome of patients affected by disorder of consciousness due to ABI. Consecutive patients with Vegetative State or Minimally Conscious State were enrolled in ICU on the third day after an ABI. They were randomized to undergo conventional physiotherapy alone or associated to fifteen 30-minute sessions of verticalization, using a tilt table with robotic stepping device. Once stabilized, patients were transferred to a Neurorehabilitation unit for an individualized treatment. Outcome measures were assessed on the third day from the injury (T0), at ICU discharge (T1) and at Rehab discharge (T2).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
40
After patient positioning, the slope of the tilt table was gradually increased from 0° to 20°, 40° and then 60° in a time span of nine minutes. The stepping frequency was set at 20 steps/min for the entire treatment. Cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were continuously monitored. The net time of the session was 30 minutes
in-bed physiotherapy (mobilization exercises in supine and sitting position on bed, without out-of-bed mobilization nor verticalization)
Ospedale Generale di Zona "Moriggia Pelascini"
Gravedona Ed Uniti, CO, Italy
Coma Recovery Scale change
Time frame: through study completion, average 18 weeks
Glasgow Coma Scale change
Time frame: through study completion, average 18 weeks
Levels of Cognitive Functioning change
Time frame: through study completion, average 18 weeks
Disability Rating Scale change
Time frame: through study completion, average 18 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.