Implementing Lift System to Physical Therapy Program for Early Mobilization in Immobilised Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial

In this study, 30 patients aged 50-75 years who were immobilised for >1 week and were conscious but did not have sitting balance were evaluated. Before this study was initiated, approval was obtained from the XXX University Ethics Committee (number 2018-40016-46, dated 24/04/2018). The inclusion criteria for the study included having undergone surgical procedures leading to immobilisation or having a disease affecting the musculoskeletal system, being conscious and not having sitting balance. The exclusion criteria included co-operation, orientation and cognitive impairment.

Patients were divided into two groups: control group, in which a conventional physical therapy programme was applied, and experimental group, in which a physical therapy programme supplemented by the James lift system was applied. Randomisation was performed according to the hospitalisation order of the patients.

Conventional physical therapy was administered to the control group and was aimed at achieving sitting balance in the first phase; once sitting balance could be achieved, we aimed at achieving standing balance in the second phase. Once standing balance was also achieved, supported and unsupported ambulation was commenced in the final phase.

In addition to the conventional treatment programme in the experimental group, orthostatic blood pressure was checked at the early stage before the patients gained sitting balance. Once the patients gained standing balance using the lift, they were administered walking training.

Conventional physical therapy was administered to both the groups and included passive and active assisted joint range of motion exercises, sitting balance, standing balance, electrotherapy (20 min of electrical stimulation on bilateral quadriceps and muscles) and ambulatory training.