Abstract
Background: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a commonly treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT), leading to severe weakness and impaired function. Dynamic body weight support systems (DBWS) are a promising rehabilitation tool for enhancing early mobilization in deconditioned patients.
Purpose: Evaluate the integration of DBWS into the rehabilitation plan of a patient recovering from a prolonged ICU stay post-allo HSCT, focusing on mobility and functional recovery.
Case Description: A 55-year-old male, two years post-allo HSCT for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, was hospitalized for 14 weeks due to respiratory distress from pneumonia and lung GVHD, resulting in severe deconditioning. DBWS was introduced during week 9 of hospitalization after conventional physical therapy including but not limited to bed mobility, transfers, ambulation, stairs, seated and standing therapeutic exercise and balance. Over 19 DBWS sessions, the patient advanced from ambulating 4.88 meters with 50% body weight support and maximal assistance ×2 to ambulating independently with a front-wheeled walker. Weekly work output improved from 993 joules in week 9 to 10,441 joules in week 14.
Outcomes: KPS improved from 20 at admission to 60 at discharge. He also achieved independence in bed mobility and required minimal assistance for transfers and ambulation.
Conclusions: Integrating DBWS with conventional therapy facilitated significant functional recovery in a patient post-allo HSCT. Further studies are needed to assess its broader applicability in oncology rehabilitation.
First Page
9
Last Page
18
DOI
10.26890/olwn7840
Recommended Citation
Jacobson HM, Miller C, McKenzie R, Wittmeyer B, Ray A. Dynamic Overhead Body-Weight Support Improves Walking Performance Following ICU Admission for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Case Study. Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice. 2025; 2(2):9-18. doi: 10.26890/olwn7840.