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Purpose: Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are an alternative treatment for patients with heart failure. The purposes of this study were to describe patients immediately post-LVAD surgery, determine differences between functional outcome measures and discharge location, and the potential for initial Functional Status Score of the Intensive Care Unit (FSS-ICU) to assist in discharge recommendations. Methods: A retrospective study (n = 100) was conducted with the following data obtained: general demographics, FSS-ICU, ICU Mobility Scale (IMS), maximal ambulation distance, and discharge location. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on discharge location (home vs facility). Results: The mean age was 52.8 years, with 64% male. A significant improvement in all functional outcomes was observed from evaluation to discharge. Patients discharged home (76%) exhibited significantly higher FSS-ICU and IMS scores and tolerated out-of-bed activity and ambulation earlier. A score of 14 or higher on the initial FSS-ICU was predictive for discharge to home recommendation. Conclusion: Patients post-LVAD implantation exhibited low levels of functional mobility initially, yet were able to tolerate early activity. Patients discharged home had higher functional scores during the initial evaluation. Using the results of the FSS-ICU may assist in discharge recommendations; further research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of a balance training program for fall risk reduction in outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Methods: Forty-nine participants in an outpatient PR program participated in a balance training program in addition to the standard PR exercises. Balance was assessed with the Activities- Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, Mini-BESTest (MBT), and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Gait speed, 5 times sit to stand test (5TSTS), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) data were extracted for analysis. Progressive lower-extremity strengthening and balance specific exercises were performed during each PR session. Results: Over 90% of participants presented with at least one balance assessment that indicated an increased fall risk and 81% had mobility limitations based on an SPPB score ,10. During the final assessment, only 16.2% of the participants were at fall risk and 13.5% had mobility limitations. Significant improvements (P, .001) were seen in the mean differences from baseline to final in the ABC scale 31.6% (95% CI [24.8, 38.5]), MBT 9.3 (95% CI [7.6, 11.0]), SPPB 4.1 (95% CI [3.4, 4.7]), gait speed 0.37 m/s (95% CI [0.29, 0.46]), 5TSTS 27.8 seconds (95% CI [210.5, 25.0]), and TUG 24.7 seconds (95% CI [25.7, 23.7]). Conclusions: Incorporating a balance training program into a PR program may help to decrease fall risk and increase balance confidence in functional activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]