Diaphragm Rehabilitation for Cardiopulmonary Patients after Mechanical Ventilation

Course Description

This course is designed as handy reference towards learning and refreshing the anatomy of the diaphragm. It will also highlight the clinical relevance of the strength and function of the diaphragm as a core stabilizer and its role as a thoracoabdominal pump. This course will walk through the positive effects of diaphragmatic breathing which is integral for both mental and physical recovery of a patient after mechanical ventilation. Mechanical ventilation is responsible for VIDD (ventilator induced diaphragmatic dysfunction) thus we will learn about the physical and physiological negative effects of mechanical ventilation and how as therapists we can help minimize those effects & enhance quicker positive patient recovery. We will discuss briefly about systemic causes of diaphragm weakness with enhanced understanding using case studies.

Participants will demonstrate improved understanding of the importance of posture, role of diaphragm in gait and balance and its key role as a role stabilizer. The course wrap up with exercises for strengthening and stretching of the diaphragm in supine, sitting, standing and ambulation through gradual stages of rehabilitation post mechanical ventilation.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Recognize the anatomy and physiology of the diaphragm
• Summarize the physical and physiological effects of mechanical ventilation
• Utilize differential diagnosis to recognize potential diaphragm disorders
• Select strengthening and stretching exercises for the diaphragm in the various positions of supine, sitting, standing and ambulation that are appropriate for the different stages of rehabilitation

• Prerequisites

  None

• Educational Level

  Intermediate

• Other

  Satisfactory completion of this course will require the participant to complete a 10 question post-test with a minimum passing score of 70%.