Exercise during ICU Rebuild strength and reduce the risk of additional complications.
“Just the smile on his face, being able to use this and being able to contribute to his recovery,” she recalls.
A patient admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) might not think a bike will be part of their recovery, but that’s just what some have experienced over the last few months — and it’s making a difference for patients who are in bed for long periods of time.
The ICU at Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital (SJRH) recently purchased a new piece of equipment —a bed bike. A bed bike is a wheel with bike pedals that attaches to the foot of a hospital bed.
Keeping their bodies moving helps patients who have become deconditioned due to their critical illness to build back their strength and reduce the risk of additional complications like pneumonia and ulcers.
Dr. Christopher White is a Cardiac Surgeon at SJRH and recommended a bed bike be purchased for use in the ICU.
As patients who are critically ill and dependent on advanced life support measures for a prolonged period of time (weeks) improve, they transition to the rehabilitation phase of their care. In many cases, these patients are so weak that they are unable
to even sit at the edge of the bed or stand without the assistance of multiple health care professionals.
“These patients are completely dependent on our nursing and physiotherapy teams, who go above and beyond to facilitate their recovery. However, their rehabilitation needs go far beyond what our busy health care teams can provide. The bed bike allows patients to exercise throughout the day, in between scheduled physiotherapy sessions,” Dr. White says.
Kelly Pinder, nurse manager of Medical Surgical ICU and 3BS at the SJRH, along with Dr. White and other members of the team,
Patient Andrew Creighton bikes anywhere from two to seven kilometers per day on the bed bike!
Salvus Clinic’s new Mobile Health Clinic.
The Salvus team in front of the new mobile clinic.
worked with the first patient to use the bed bike.
Terry Stacey had a serious cardiac event requiring significant life-saving medical intervention. As a result, he was unable to get out of bed for an extended period of time. When Terry had enough strength, the bike was attached to the bed, and he began to pedal.
Terry recalls being very weak and at the beginning, could only use the bike for a few minutes at a time. However, he soon noticed a difference and was able to stand, then walk with assistance, and could bike for longer periods.
Patient Terry Stacey uses the bed bike while being cheered on by his wife.
As he built up his strength, Terry says he liked to joke with staff about where he was travelling to on the stationary bike, saying, “I’m going to Quispamsis today!”
Kelly remembers his reaction to using the new equipment as very positive.
“Just the smile on his face, being able to use this and being able to contribute to his recovery,” she recalls.
Dr. White believes the bike aided Terry’s recovery, as he was discharged from ICU more quickly than expected.
In addition to a reduced stay in the ICU, this equipment provides an opportunity for independence and activity for patients who are reliant upon staff for things they would often do for themselves.
“He shared that he had more dignity and control over his life,” said Kelly.
Andrew Creighton, a patient in the SJRH ICU (who bikes anywhere from two to seven kilometers per day!) says it has been helpful not only to his physical strength, but to his mental strength as well.
“(The bike) has given me feelings of hope, of self worth,” he said. “The bike helps reduce my anxiety, especially when I am alone. It keeps me preoccupied where I can focus on my recovery.”
Terry, now home and continuing his recovery, wishes he could have brought the bike with him and hopes it will continue to benefit other patients.
“I recommend it, 100%,” he said. “Do what you can and pedal away.”
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Benefits of Exercise for Patients with Chronic Diseases
Exercising in bed benefits patients with chronic diseases to reduce muscle atrophy due to inactivity druring bed rest.
