2023 Volume 2 Issue 1 Pages 23-33
Aim: We propose a new patient classification system called "Recovery phase" to enhance communication and consistency of goals and main therapy programs among physical therapists with varying levels of experience. This report aims to evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy based on the Recovery Phase classification.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 558 patients with cardiovascular disease. The Recovery phase was defined as Phase I (no criteria met for early mobilization), Phase II (conditioning and early mobilization as main programs), Phase III (ADL training as main program), and Phase IV (endurance training as main program). The Recovery phase was determined in weekly meetings. Physical function at discharge was compared among the phases.
Results: As the Recovery phase progressed, there were significant improvements in muscle strength, walking speed, balance, ADL, and exercise tolerance.
Conclusion: The Recovery phase classification system provides a uniform approach to physical therapy goals and programs based on physical function for the treatment of a specific patient population with cardiovascular disease.
