In the United States, physical therapy (PT) is commonly administered to patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) since these patients suffer from weakness, fatigue and poor functional status. Physical therapists play a fundamental role in improving the quality of life of ICU patients during their recovery from critical illnesses. The COVID-19 surge between March and May 2020 in Houston caused several cardiovascular, neurological and musculoskeletal symptoms in patients. Patients with COVID-19 in the ICU suffered from these symptoms and were at risk for reduced functional mobility, reduced quality of life, increased mortality and increased risk for developing post-intensive care syndrome and ICU-acquired weakness.

To describe the PT practice in critically ill patients with COVID-19 at a tertiary care hospital such as Houston Methodist and to outline a novel clinical decision-making algorithm (nCDM) and its applications in improving clinical practice for this patient population, Stolboushkin performed a retrospective chart review, the results of which were published in the Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal in 2021. This study entailed selection and evaluation of PT and demographic data and clinical records of patients with COVID-19 admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital ICUs with a PT consultation between March and May 2020.The COVID-19 surge challenged health care professionals to adjust best practices and become creative. This retrospective chart review was the first to describe PT practice for critically ill patients with COVID-19 in the ICU, with or without mechanical ventilation. The clinical decision-making algorithm described here can be applied to diseases other than COVID-19, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome being treated in ICU settings. Moreover, this study pushed the envelope with the patient tolerance and mobility of PT intervention.