Tag: skilled nursing

One Dementia Patient’s Journey to Healing with Shortwave Diathermy

One Dementia Patient’s Journey to Healing with Shortwave Diathermy 

Harpreet Singh, PT, DPT, MSHA, was met with a complex case while working at a skilled nursing facility (SNF) in Sacramento, California. One of his patients, an 80-year-old woman living with advanced Alzheimer’s disease, struggled with a stubborn stage III pressure ulcer for months. Despite diligent wound care, the ulcer showed minimal improvement. Through innovation and compassionate interdisciplinary care, he was able to resolve this case with the help of ACP’s OmniSWD® Shortwave Diathermy System. 

Before Treatment with OmniSWD 

This patient’s Alzheimer’s disease left her largely non-verbal, unable to express pain clearly, and entirely reliant on staff for all aspects of daily life. For Dr. Singh, this posed a tricky question as her PT: How could he help this patient heal when her disease so greatly limited her communication, cognition, and mobility? He decided it was time for a new approach. 

Augmenting Physical Therapy with Pulsed Shortwave Diathermy  

Dr. Singh decided to try combining pulsed shortwave diathermy (PSWD) with traditional physical therapy treatment interventions. Over four weeks, he delivered PSWD to the patient’s sacral ulcer using OmniSWD. 

Treatment Protocol

The patient’s clothing in the wound area and the dry dressing were removed. She was positioned side-lying on a mat table where OmniSWD was used to apply PSWD at a sub-thermal dose. The following protocol was followed: 

  • Carrier frequency: 27.12 MHz
  • Pulse frequency: 400 pulses/second 
  • Pulse duration: 65 µs 
  • Duty cycle: 4%  
  • Duration: 30 minutes 
  • Frequency: 4x/week x 4 weeks  
  • Average power: 3.9 watts/session  

After each PSWD treatment session, the wound nurse applied triad paste and a new dry dressing as prescribed by the patient’s wound care physician. 

OmniSWD®

Shortwave Diathermy System

Additional Interventions

In addition to PSWD, Dr. Singh incorporated a balanced treatment regimen of therapeutic exercises, balance training, posture education, and pressure relief into her treatment plan. To ensure consistent care throughout the day, he relied on interdisciplinary collaboration with the nursing and dietary teams.  

Patient Outcome

After four weeks of highly focused treatment, the patient’s outcome exceeded expectations. Her wound had fully closed, and her pain, as measured by the PAINAD scale, dropped to zero. Her sitting balance improved significantly, nearly doubling on objective assessment. Most importantly, she could sit upright again, interact comfortably, and engage with her environment. 

On this experience, Dr. Singh had this to share:  

This case reminded me that even in a resource-constrained setting like a SNF, thoughtful application of clinical tools supported by an interdisciplinary team can restore both function and dignity. Although PSWD isn’t yet commonplace for pressure ulcer management in long-term care, this experience has shown me its potential, especially for patients with cognitive impairments who can’t voice discomfort or pain.

Ultimately, this patient’s care team wasn’t just able to heal her wound. They were able to restore her comfort, dignity, and presence while finding new purpose in creative problem-solving.  

Dr. Singh’s full report is available in The American Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Research.

Ease Pain & Accelerate Recovery with OmniSWD

Empower your therapists to save time and achieve superior patient outcomes with ACP’s advanced OmniSWD Shortwave Diathermy System.

Learn More

MRK-BLOG-028

Harpreet Singh, PT, DPT, MSHA, was met with a complex case while working at a skilled nursing facility (SNF) in Sacramento, California. One of his patients, an 80-year-old woman living with advanced Alzheimer’s disease, struggled with a stubborn stage III pressure ulcer for months. Despite diligent wound care, the ulcer showed minimal improvement. Through innovation and compassionate interdisciplinary care, he was able to resolve this case with the help of ACP’s OmniSWD® Shortwave Diathermy System.

Surge Rehabilitation and Nursing Pioneers ACP Facility Certification

Surge Rehabilitation and Nursing Pioneers ACP Facility Certification 

Last year, we launched the ACP Certified program to help our partners enhance their clinical expertise, improve patient outcomes, and stand apart in their communities. Since then, it has been our pleasure to see rehab and nursing clinicians across the country find value in becoming certified—for themselves and their patients. We are thrilled to share that Surge Rehabilitation and Nursing in Middle Island, NY, has become the first facility in the nation to achieve ACP Certification in both Cardiopulmonary Rehab and Fall Prevention. This remarkable achievement underscores Surge’s commitment to clinical excellence and innovation in post-acute care.

Elevating Cardiopulmonary Care 

To become ACP Certified in Cardiopulmonary Rehab, Surge’s staff demonstrated excellence in specialized therapy interventions and clinical protocols and in integrating advanced technology to support cardiopulmonary recovery and long-term management.

Following extensive training and the implementation of evidence-based practices, Surge reported the following improvements in patient outcomes:

  • 54% of patients required less supplemental oxygen by discharge
  • 84% of patients showed improvement in BORG score from admission to discharge, indicating reduced perceived breathlessness
  • Average increase in ambulation distance from admission to discharge was 93 feet, reflecting endurance and functional mobility gains
  • Average length of stay decreased from 52 days to 37 days, showing increased efficiency and care delivery
  • 93% of patients demonstrated improvement in Timed Up and Go (TUG) scores, indicating better functional mobility

“This certification is a milestone and affirmation of a promise to our residents and families that we deliver the highest level of cardiopulmonary care available today,” said Ahmed Joudah, Administrator of Surge Rehabilitation and Nursing.

Leading the Way in Fall Prevention

Falls are a significant risk for older adults, and Surge is taking a proactive, interdisciplinary approach to reduce risk and optimize clinical outcomes. Since implementing the evidence-based practices outlined in the Fall Prevention certification, the Surge team has achieved notable improvements: 

  • Average increase in ambulation distance of 56 feet from admission to discharge 
  • 81% of patients demonstrated improvement in TUG scores, and 30-second sit-to-stand scores improved by 5 repetitions, showing better functional mobility and reduced fall risk 

In their program reflection, they had this to share:  

“…participating in the ACP Fall Prevention Program has been a transformative journey for [their] interdisciplinary team, enhancing not only [their] clinical outcomes but also [their] communication, collaboration, and shared commitment to resident safety. One of the most critical elements that [they] have embraced is the importance of clear and consistent communication across all disciplines, ensuring that every team member – from therapists to nursing staff to physicians – is aligned on goals, strategies, and individual resident needs.”

Celebrating Clinical Excellence

As an ACP-certified facility, Surge continues to lead by example in clinical excellence, ongoing education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This dual certification is not just a milestone for Surge but also ACP, and we are grateful for their exemplary partnership and dedication to better patient outcomes. 

It has been an incredible experience to witness the journey of ACP Certification, from its initial concept and development to its successful launch, culminating in the achievement of the first two facility certifications by Surge. The staff and administration at Surge are committed to ensuring the individuals under their care receive the best possible care, using all available resources to maximize clinical outcomes.

Kelly Contreras, Senior Manager, Remote Clinical Services

Become ACP Certified

Ready to level up your clinical expertise? Learn more about how you and your facility can become ACP Certified.

Learn More

MRK-BLOG-027

Since launching the ACP Certified program, it has been our pleasure to see rehab and nursing clinicians nationwide find value in becoming certified. We are thrilled to share that Surge Rehabilitation and Nursing in Middle Island, NY, has become the first facility in the nation to achieve ACP Certification. Read on to learn how their Cardiopulmonary Rehab and Fall Prevention certifications are enhancing patient care.

Breathing Therapy After Stroke: Enhancing Recovery & Quality of Life

Breathing Therapy After Stroke: Enhancing Recovery & Quality of Life 

Stroke is a debilitating condition that can cause significant muscle weakness throughout the body, including the muscles responsible for respiration. This can severely impact a patient’s ability to perform daily activities. Respiratory dysfunction occurs in 60% of stroke cases—what’s more, research has found an association between post-stroke apnea and cognitive decline.1  Fortunately, innovative devices like the ACPlus® Respiratory Assessment (ARA) and OmniFlow® Breathing Therapy Biofeedback System are designed to proactively identify and address these respiratory issues, enhancing recovery and improving quality of life for stroke patients. 

Proactively Identifying Breathing Issues with ACPlus® Respiratory Assessment (ARA) 

Stroke-induced respiratory dysfunction (SIRD) is associated with a higher 1-year mortality rate and worse functional outcomes, making it critical to catch as early as possible. ACPlus Respiratory Assessment (ARA) is uniquely designed to help clinicians proactively identify undiagnosed respiratory deficits. A clinician can conduct breathing tests that capture baseline metrics using an iPad and Bluetooth spirometer. ARA interprets that data to suggest possible lung disease patterns and severity levels. The clinical team can then use that data to develop the best treatment plan for that patient.

Delivering Targeted Interventions with OmniFlow® 

Once respiratory deficits are identified, targeted interventions can be initiated. The OmniFlow Breathing Therapy Biofeedback System offers a variety of engaging exercises designed to improve respiratory muscle function, including: 

OmniFlow Breathing Therapy Biofeedback System
  • Rhythmic Breathing: Focuses on rhythmical inspiratory and expiratory breathing 
  • Deep Inhalation: Improves inspiratory muscle power and inspiratory vital capacity (IVC) 
  • Forced Expiration: Targets expiratory muscle power 
  • Controlled Expiration: Improves controlled expiratory volume and flow 
  • ACBT/Huff Technique: Teaches patients the Active Cycle of Breathing (ACBT)/Huff technique to clear secretions from the lungs 

OmniFlow provides valuable inhalation and exhalation data, helping clinicians better assess the patient’s condition and guide their treatment accordingly.

Benefits of Breathing Therapy Post-Stroke 

Incorporating clinically appropriate breathing therapy into post-stroke rehabilitation offers numerous benefits. Respiratory muscle training effectively improves pulmonary function, strength of expiratory and inspiratory muscles, and walking ability, which can help patients perform daily activities more efficiently.2 Better respiratory control can also reduce the risk of complications like pneumonia. Including innovative tools like ARA and OmniFlow in treatment plans can help stroke patients recover faster and more effectively.

Enhance Your Respiratory Rehabilitation

For information on bringing ARA and OmniFlow to your patients, contact our team today.

Learn More

  1. 1. Patrizz, A., El Hamamy, A., Maniskas, M., Munshi, Y., Atadja, L., Ahnstedt, H., Howe, M., Mulkey, D., McCullough, L., & Li, J. (2023). Stroke-induced respiratory dysfunction is associated with cognitive decline. Stroke, 54(7), 1863-1874. https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.122.041239  ↩︎
  2. 2. Pozuelo Carrascosa, D., Carmona-Torres, J.M., Alberto Laredo-Aguilera, J.A., Pedro Ángel Latorre Román, P.A., Párraga Montilla, J. A., Cobo-Cuenca, A.I. (2020). Effectiveness of respiratory muscle training for pulmonary function and walking ability in patients with stroke: A systematic review with meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(15), 5356. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155356 ↩︎

MRK-BLOG-025

Did you know that respiratory dysfunction occurs in 60% of stroke cases? What’s more, research has found an association between post-stroke apnea and cognitive decline. Fortunately, innovative devices like the ACPlus Respiratory Assessment (ARA) and OmniFlow Breathing Therapy Biofeedback System are designed to proactively identify and address these respiratory issues, enhancing recovery and improving quality of life for stroke patients.

Relieving Pain & Restoring Mobility After Stroke

Relieving Pain & Restoring Mobility After Stroke 

This 66-year-old patient was referred to a skilled nursing facility for stroke rehabilitation. While hospitalized, he required a thrombectomy (procedure to remove blood clot), and he experienced right-sided weakness and general debility after being discharged. Before his stroke, he lived at home with his spouse, was independent with all functional mobility, and walked with a rolling walker. 

Therapy Protocol

Physical & Occupational Therapy

  • 4-5x/week x 4 weeks

OmniVersa® Electrotherapy & Ultrasound System

  • Patterned Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (PENS) to the right arm and leg to decrease shoulder pain and for neuromuscular re-education and strengthening of the arm and leg

OmniVR® Virtual Rehabilitation System

  • Virtual reality exercise (bingo and flower garden) to improve transfers, balance, and gait

OmniCycle® Connect Advanced Active-Assist Cycle

  • Upper and lower extremity cycling neuro mode to promote improved endurance, strength, and reciprocal motor activity

Additional Interventions

  • Gait training, transfer training, balance re-education, therapeutic exercise, self-care retraining, and therapeutic activities

OmniVersa®

Electrotherapy & Ultrasound System

OmniVR®

Virtual Rehabilitation System

OmniCycle® Connect

Advanced Active-Assist Cycle

Following the 4-week stroke rehabilitation program the patient made significant strides: 

Relieving Pain & Restoring Mobility After Stroke

This patient is thrilled with the care he received and is so happy to be able to return home. He feels his therapy team really used all their tools to get him better as quickly as possible.

PENS really helped to improve his pain so he could participate in therapy with greater intensity, and it was also a big contributor to improving his strength on the affected side.

Therapist

Maximize Outcomes After Stroke

Incorporating innovative technologies, ACP’s evidence-based Neuro Rehab program is designed to help patients rebuild their strength and coordination post-stroke.

Learn More

MRK-BLOG-024

This 66-year-old patient was referred to a skilled nursing facility for stroke rehabilitation after experiencing weakness on his right side and general debility. Before his stroke, he lived at home with his spouse, was independent with all functional mobility, and walked with a rolling walker. Keep reading to learn more about the innovative tools and strategies his care team used to maximize his outcomes and help him return home.

Advanced Solutions for Effective Parkinson's Rehabilitation

Advanced Solutions for Effective Parkinson’s Rehabilitation 

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, nearly 90,000 Americans receive a Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis annually. Each diagnosis represents a patient and their loved ones facing a new reality that requires comprehensive support and innovative solutions. Parkinson’s rehabilitation that integrates exercise, biophysical agents, and innovative technologies can help these patients maintain independence and functionality longer. 

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease 

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impacts multiple aspects of movement and daily function. Patients often experience:

  • Bradykinesia (slow movement) 
  • Muscular rigidity 
  • Resting tremors 
  • Shuffling and freezing gait 
  • Poor postural control 
  • Impaired balance 

Exercise plays a key role in rehabilitation for this population, with additional benefits achieved by incorporating biophysical agents and rehabilitation technologies. Research demonstrates that exercise improves motor skill performance, which may be enhanced with cognitive engagement through feedback, cueing, dual-task training, and motivation.1 ACP provides several technologies that support this approach.

Virtual Reality Augmented Exercise

Moving Beyond Aerobics: The Benefits of Cycling in Rehabilitation  

The American Physical Therapy Association recommends moderate- to high-intensity aerobic exercise for Parkinson’s patients to improve VO2, reduce motor disease severity, and improve functional outcomes. They also recommend resistance training to improve strength, power, nonmotor symptoms, and quality of life.2 Forced exercise with motor-assisted cycling has specifically been shown to improve motor function.3 

OmniCycle Connect®, paired with the OmniTour™ Virtual Exercise Experience, can help Parkinson’s patients reap the benefits of aerobic exercise while providing cognitive engagement through immersive cycling and memory games. 

Therapist considerations:

  • Facilitate proper sitting posture throughout the activity. 
  • Consider interval training to allow higher intensity with less fatigue. 
  • Use forced cycling at a higher speed compared to a self-selected pace. 
  • Integrate biofeedback activities to provide visual/auditory cues, changes in speed/direction, and dual-task challenges. 

There is also evidence that virtual reality rehab results in significantly greater improvement in balance and gait (BBS, TUG, and FGA) for Parkinson’s patients compared to conventional physical therapy.4 

OmniVR® helps address patients’ cognitive impairment by incorporating activities that utilize memory and executive function. Through fun and interactive activities, patients are engaged and motivated to exercise harder and longer. 

Therapist considerations:

  • In the seated position, engage posture by varying support surfaces (firm, foam, balance ball). 
  • Vary speed with gait. 
  • Practice multi-directional movement. 
  • Progress to stepping over and avoiding obstacles. 
  • Perform squatting to facilitate picking something up from the floor.

E-Stim Enhanced Gait Training

Sensory electrical stimulation cueing during gait has been shown to reduce the time a patient needs to complete a walking task and the number of freezing gait episodes,5 which are common in many Parkinson’s patients.  

The OmniVersa® Multimodality Therapy System’s Patterned Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (PENS) function can help re-establish normal muscle recruitment and firing, maximizing the benefits of regular gait training.

Therapist considerations:

  • Use PENS UE and LE patterns to facilitate trunk and extremity exercise for improved posture control, strength, and coordination; apply during goal-oriented tasks when feasible. 
  • Use the PENS cycle or walk protocol to provide sensory/motor input to the CNS for gait initiation, symmetry, and cadence; vary the speed of the protocols. 

Empowering Patients & Clinicians 

Parkinson’s disease presents unique challenges and profound changes. By embracing innovative rehabilitation solutions, we can help these patients maintain their independence and quality of life longer.

Enhance Your Facility’s Parkinson’s Care

For more information on ACP technologies, explore our product suite.

Learn More

  1. Petzinger, G. M., Fisher, B. E., McEwen, S., Beeler, J. A., Walsh, J. P., & Jakowec, M. W. (2013). Exercise-enhanced neuroplasticity targeting motor and cognitive circuitry in Parkinson’s disease. The Lancet. Neurology, 12(7), 716–726. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(13)70123-6 ↩︎
  2. Osborne, J. A., Botkin, R., Colon-Semenza, C., DeAngelis, T. R., Gallardo, O. G., Kosakowski, H., Martello, J., Pradhan, S., Rafferty, M., Readinger, J. L., Whitt, A. L., & Ellis, T. D. (2022). Physical therapist management of Parkinson disease: A clinical practice guideline from the American Physical Therapy Association. Physical Therapy, 102(4), pzab302. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzab302 ↩︎
  3. Miner, D. G., Aron, A., & DiSalvo, E. (2020). Therapeutic effects of forced exercise cycling in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 410, 116677. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2020.116677 ↩︎
  4. Feng, H., Li, C., Liu, J., Wang, L., Ma, J., Li, G., Gan, L., Shang, X., & Wu, Z. (2019). Virtual reality rehabilitation versus conventional physical therapy for improving balance and gait in Parkinson’s disease patients: A randomized controlled trial. Medical Science Monitor: International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research, 25, 4186–4192. https://doi.org/10.12659/MSM.916455 ↩︎
  5. Rosenthal, L., Sweeney, D., Cunnington, A. L., Quinlan, L. R., & ÓLaighin, G. (2018). Sensory electrical stimulation cueing may reduce freezing of gait episodes in Parkinson’s disease. Journal of Healthcare Engineering, 2018, 4684925. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/4684925   ↩︎

MRK-BLOG-023

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, nearly 90,000 Americans receive a Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis annually. Discover how exercise, biophysical agents, and innovative technologies can help these patients maintain independence and functionality longer.

Virtual Reality Rehabilition: Improving Strength and Functional Mobility

Virtual Reality Rehabilition: Improving Strength and Functional Mobility 

While battling kidney cancer, this 72-year-old patient began experiencing weakness, foot drop, coordination deficits, and an unsteady gait. Before being referred to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation service, he lived at home with his wife, ambulated with a walker, and required some assistance with self-care.

Therapy Protocol

Physical & Occupational Therapy

  • 3-5x/week x 8 weeks

OmniVR® Virtual Rehabilitation System

  • Virtual reality exercise performed using Carnival, Bingo, and Picnic activities with progression in intensity and resistance to increase arm and leg strength

Additional Interventions

  • Training in transfers and gait; self-care management 

OmniVR®

Virtual Rehabilitation System

Following the 8-week rehabilitation program, enhanced with virtual reality, the patient demonstrated notable progress: 

Virtual Reality Rehabilition: Improving Strength and Functional Mobility

The patient’s therapist shared that he made significant progress in strength and functional mobility using OmniVR®’s virtual exercise activities, allowing him to achieve his goal of returning home with his wife!  

Limited Time Offer on VR Rehab Technology

In celebration of Occupational Therapy Month, we are offering a special discount on our rehab technologies, including OmniVR, for the month of April. Contact us today to learn more.

Learn More

MRK-BLOG-022

While battling kidney cancer, this 72-year-old patient began experiencing weakness, foot drop, coordination deficits, and an unsteady gate. Before being referred to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation service, he lived at home with his wife, ambulated with a walker, and required some assistance with self-care. Find out how his therapy team used virtual reality rehabilitation to help get him home.

Reversing Patient Frailty with Innovative Rehab Technologies

Reversing Patient Frailty with Innovative Rehab Technologies  

Patients with pulmonary dysfunction, those who are acutely ill, or those who have been hospitalized for extended periods often face the risk of deconditioning or developing muscle weakness. Even healthy individuals can become deconditioned and frail if they decrease their activity level.

While the negative impacts of short-term inactivity can typically be reversed in younger people, it is much more difficult for older adults.1 Frailty and pre-frailty are significant predictors of nursing home placement among community-dwelling older adults.2 

That’s why it’s crucial for rehab professionals to continue emphasizing activity and engagement in therapy. Clinicians can leverage tools like ACP’s e-stim, cycling, virtual reality (VR), and balance trainers to maximize clinical outcomes.  

Cycling

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to increase cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise capacity for patients with COPD.3 For patients with heart failure, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) specifically recommends cycling as part of their aerobic and HIIT training.4 

Reversing patient frailty with cycling

The OmniCycle® Connect is a great option for rehab gyms because it offers adjustable resistance levels and can adapt to patient’s physical limitations. Interval training may be used to increase the overall time and intensity of training. Paired with the OmniTour ™, patients can virtually cycle through outdoor landscapes, motivating them to train more often and with greater effort.

Virtual Reality

Therapy incorporating VR technology has been shown to increase patient motivation.5 With the OmniVR®, patients can perform exercises while sitting or standing, depending on their ability and the activity’s focus.

Reversing patient frailty with virtual reality

Balance Trainer

The OmniStand® is designed for patients who cannot stand independently, providing varied support and assistance. When combined with the OmniVR®, balance training becomes more fun and engaging, while also improving functional abilities.

Reversing patient frailty with balance training

E-Stim

Patterned electrical neuromuscular stimulation (PENS) applied to the quadriceps and hamstring muscles of patients with COPD results in 30% increased strength and 34% increased walking distance.6 Using OmniVersa®‘s PENS function before or during exercise can help re-establish normal muscle recruitment and firing. 

Reversing patient frailty with e-stim

Thing to Keep in Mind 

Vital signs like heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), O2 saturation, respiratory rate (RR), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) should be assessed before, during, and after exercise to help determine the appropriate amount of activity or the need for rest. Clinicians should also use standardized outcome measures at the patient’s baseline and throughout treatment to track and document progress. 

Upgrade Your Rehab Program

Looking to enhance your facility’s rehab gym? ACP offers a suite of technologies that help get your patients better, faster.

EXPLORE TECHNOLOGIES

  1. Bowden Davies, K. A., Pickles, S., Sprung, V. S., Kemp, G. J., Alam, U., Moore, D. R., Tahrani, A. A., Cuthbertson, D. J. (2019). Reduced physical activity in young and older adults: metabolic and musculoskeletal implications. Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism. 10, 1-15. ↩︎
  2. Gotaro, K. (2018). Frailty as a predictor of nursing home placement among community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy. 41(1), 42-48. Rutkowski, S., Rutkowska, A., Kiper, P., Jastrzebski, D., Racheniuk, H., Turolla, A., Szczegielniak, J., Casaburi, R. (2020). Virtual reality rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. 15, 117-124 ↩︎
  3. Sawyer, A. Cavalheri, V., Hill, K. (2020). Effects of high intensity interval training on exercise capacity in people with chronic pulmonary conditions: a narrative review. BMC Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. 12, 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-020-00167-y ↩︎
  4. Shoemaker, M. J., Dias, K. J., Lefebvre, K. M., Heick, J. D., & Collins, S. M. (2020). Physical therapist clinical practice guideline for the management of individuals with heart failure. Physical Therapy, 100(1), 14-43. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzz127  ↩︎
  5. Kizmaz, E., Telli Atalay, O., Çetin, N., & Ugurlu, E. (2024). Virtual reality for COPD exacerbation: A randomized controlled trial. Respiratory Medicine, 230, 107696. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107696 ↩︎
  6. Bourjeily-Habr, G., Rochester, C. L., Palermo, F., Synder, P., Mohsenin, V. (2002). Randomized controlled trial of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of the lower extremities in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thorax, 57(2), 1045-1049 ↩︎

MRK-BLOG-021

Patients with pulmonary dysfunction, those who are acutely ill, or those who have been hospitalized for extended periods often face the risk of deconditioning or developing muscle weakness. Even healthy individuals can become deconditioned and frail if they decrease their activity level. While the negative impacts of short-term inactivity can typically be reversed in younger people, it is much more difficult for older adults. Frailty and pre-frailty are significant predictors of nursing home placement among community-dwelling older adults. That’s why it’s crucial for rehab professionals to continue emphasizing activity and engagement in therapy. Learn how you can leverage tools like ACP’s e-stim, cycling, virtual reality (VR), and balance trainers to maximize clinical outcomes.

Swallowing Post-Stroke

Rebuilding Swallow Ability Post-Stroke

After experiencing a stroke that resulted in hospitalization, this 65-year-old patient was admitted to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation services. His swallow initiation was inconsistent, and he had difficulty managing his secretions, ultimately being diagnosed with oropharyngeal dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). He enjoyed a regular diet before his stroke, but because he could not take any food or liquid by mouth, a feeding tube was placed. 

Therapy Protocol

Speech Therapy

  • 5x/week x 3 weeks

Synchrony Dysphagia Solutions by ACP® with OmnisEMG Biofeedback 

  • Typical swallows with ice chips for swallow initiation using Trace Display and Bow and Arrow virtual reality (VR) representation of muscle movement 
  • Effortful swallows with nectar thick consistency and progressive challenge with increased viscosity and volume to improve swallow strength using Bar Graph VR representation 

Additional Interventions

  • Thermal stimulation to facilitate swallow initiation 

Synchrony Portable

Dynamic Balance System

Trace Display

Bow and Arrow

Bar Graph

Swallowing Post-Stroke

This patient is thrilled with the outcome of his therapy. He had this to share about his treatment using Synchrony: 

Thank you for everything you did! I can’t wait to get home and eat food again.

Patient

Improve Swallowing with Advanced Biofeedback

Ready to revolutionize your approach to dysphagia therapy? Discover how Synchrony Dysphagia Solutions by ACP® can transform patient outcomes with its innovative combination of sEMG and VR technology.

Learn More

MRK-BLOG-020

After experiencing a stroke that led to hospitalization, this 65-year-old patient was admitted to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation services. His swallow initiation was inconsistent, and he had difficulty managing his secretions. As a result, he was diagnosed with oropharyngeal dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and a feeding tube was placed. Learn how his speech therapy team utilized Synchrony Dysphagia Solutions by ACP® to improve his swallow coordination and help him return to an oral diet.