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This study aimed to assess the feasibility of delivering a brief physical activity (PA) intervention to community rehabilitation clients. Participants were randomized to receive one session of stage-of-change-based PA education and counseling in addition to written educational material, or education material alone. Outcomes were measured at baseline and 3 months; the primary outcome was feasibility, measured by the percentage of those who were eligible, consented, randomized, and followed-up. A total of 123 individuals were both eligible and interested in participating, 32% of those screened on admission to the program. Forty participants consented, and 35 were randomized, with mean age 72 years (SD = 12.2). At baseline, 66% had recently commenced or intended to begin regular PA in the next 6 months. A total of 30 participants were followed-up. It is feasible to deliver education and counseling designed to support the long-term adoption of regular PA to community rehabilitation clients. Further refinement of the protocol is warranted (ACTRN12617000519358).

Supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Pulmonary Fibrosis (GNT1116371), and by foundation partner, Boehringer Ingelheim, and program partners, Roche and Galapagos. Rationale : The interstitial lung disease (ILD) multidisciplinary meetings (MDM), composed of pulmonologists, radiologists, and pathologists, is integral to the rendering of an accurate ILD diagnosis. However, there is significant heterogeneity in the conduct of ILD MDMs, and questions regarding their best practices remain unanswered. Objectives : To achieve consensus among ILD experts on essential components of an ILD MDM. Methods : Using a Delphi methodology, semi-structured interviews with ILD experts were used to identify key themes and features of ILD MDMs. These items informed two subsequent rounds of online questionnaires that were used to achieve consensus among a broader, international panel of ILD experts. Experts were asked to rate their level of agreement on a five-point Likert scale. An a priori threshold for consensus was set at a median score 4 or 5 with an interquartile range of 0. Results : We interviewed 15 ILD experts, and 102 ILD experts participated in the online questionnaires. Five items and two exploratory statements achieved consensus on being essential for an ILD MDM following two questionnaire rounds. There was consensus that the presence of at least one radiologist, a quiet setting with a visual projection system, a high-quality chest high-resolution computed tomography, and a standardized template summarizing collated patient data are essential components of an ILD MDM. Experts also agreed that it would be useful for ILD MDMs to undergo an annual benchmarking process and a validation process by fulfilling a minimum number of cases annually. Twenty-seven additional features were considered to be either highly desirable or desirable features based on the degree of consensus. Although our findings on desirable features are similar to the current literature, several of these remain controversial and warrant further research. The study also showed an agreement among participants on several future concepts to improve the ILD MDM, such as performing regular self-assessments and conducting research into shared practices to develop an international expert guideline statement on ILD MDMs. Conclusions : This Delphi study showed consensus among international ILD experts on essential and desirable features of an ILD MDM. Our data represent an important step toward potential collaborative research into future standardization of ILD MDMs. Postprint

Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are frequently used for asthma treatment. This medication is highly effective for both acute and chronic diseases, but evidence indicates that indiscriminate OCS use is common, posing a risk of serious side effects and irreversible harm. There is now an urgent need to introduce OCS stewardship approaches, akin to successful initiatives that optimized appropriate antibiotic usage. The aim of this TSANZ (Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand) position paper is to review current knowledge pertaining to OCS use in asthma and then delineate principles of OCS stewardship. Recent evidence indicates overuse and over-reliance on OCS for asthma and that doses >1000 mg prednisolone-equivalent cumulatively are likely to have serious side effects and adverse outcomes. Patient perspectives emphasize the detrimental impacts of OCS-related side effects such as weight gain, insomnia, mood disturbances and skin changes. Improvements in asthma control and prevention of exacerbations can be achieved by improved inhaler technique, adherence to therapy, asthma education, smoking cessation, multidisciplinary review, optimized medications and other strategies. Recently, add-on therapies including novel biological agents and macrolide antibiotics have demonstrated reductions in OCS requirements. Harm reduction may also be achieved through identification and mitigation of predictable adverse effects. OCS stewardship should entail greater awareness of appropriate indications for OCS prescription, risk–benefits of OCS medications, side effects, effective add-on therapies and multidisciplinary review. If implemented, OCS stewardship can ensure that clinicians and patients with asthma are aware that OCS should not be used lightly, while providing reassurance that asthma can be controlled in most people without frequent use of OCS.

Little is known regarding community participation in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to explore community participation in individuals with COPD and to determine whether there is an association between community participation and activity-related outcome variables commonly collected during pulmonary rehabilitation assessment. We also sought to investigate which of these variables might influence community participation in people with COPD. Ninety-nine individuals with COPD were enrolled (67 ± 9 years, FEV1: 55 ± 22% predicted). We assessed community participation (Community Participation Indicator (CPI) and European Social Survey (ESS) for formal and informal community participation), daily physical activity levels (activity monitor), exercise capacity (6-minute walk test), breathlessness (Modified Medical Research Council, MMRC scale), self-efficacy (Pulmonary Rehabilitation Adapted Index of Self-Efficacy) and anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Higher levels of community participation on the CPI were associated with older age and greater levels of physical activity (total, light and moderate-to-vigorous) (all rs = 0.30, p

The "contingent valuation" method is used to quantify the value of services not available in traditional markets, by assessing the monetary value an individual ascribes to the benefit provided by an intervention. The aim of this study was to determine preferences for home or center-based pulmonary rehabilitation for participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using the "willingness to pay" (WTP) approach, the most widely used technique to elicit strengths of individual preferences. This is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled equivalence trial comparing center-based and home-based pulmonary rehabilitation. At their final session, participants were asked to nominate the maximum that they would be willing to pay to undertake home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in preference to a center-based program. Regression analyses were used to investigate relationships between participant features and WTP values. Data were available for 141/163 eligible study participants (mean age 69 [SD 10] years

Background/aims People undergoing inpatient rehabilitation largely spend their day by the bedside, inactive and alone. Increasing patients' physical, cognitive and social activity levels may improve rehabilitation outcomes for both the individual and the service. The aim of this study was to trial an activity programME that aimed to increase inpatient physical, cognitive and social activity levels, provided within existing resources whilE maintaining or increasing patient satisfaction. Methods A mixed-methods approach was used to develop and evaluate a multi-component activity programme for patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. Results Patient activity across the unit did not change but the amount of time spent alone during a weekday was significantly reduced. Patient satisfaction levels remained high. Each new therapy group was well received by patients and the volunteers who supported implementation. Novel programmes included table tennis coaching and independent gym access for selected inpatients, which were well used and not resource intensive. Therapist prescription of independent practice programmes remained low. Broader initiatives such as patient education folders require revision and further investment to succeed. Conclusions It is possible to change and evaluate multiple therapy services concurrently. The absence of change in overall activity levels demonstrates a need to establish the most successful components, harness support from the organisation to address some of the physical/environmental barriers and expand smaller programmes, and invest more time to consolidate the whole-of-service changes required to push the rehabilitation service in the direction of greater patient activity and ownership. Clinicians should pursue, implement, evaluate and revise novel programmes to engage their patient population.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has necessitated adoption of telerehabilitation in services where face-to-face consultations were previously standard. We aimed to understand barriers to implementing a telerehabilitation clinical service and design a behavior support strategy for clinicians to implement telerehabilitation. A hybrid implementation study design included pre- and post-intervention questionnaires, identification of key barriers to implementation using the theoretical domains framework, and development of a targeted intervention. Thirty-one clinicians completed baseline questionnaires identifying key barriers to the implementation of telerehabilitation. Barriers were associated with behavior domains of knowledge, environment, social influences, and beliefs. A 6-week brief intervention focused on remote clinician support, and education was well received but achieved little change in perceived barriers to implementation. The brief intervention to support implementation of telerehabilitation during COVID-19 achieved clinical practice change, but barriers remain. Longer follow-up may determine the sustainability of a brief implementation strategy, but needs to consider pandemic-related stressors.

© 2020 The Authors. Health Expectations published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd Background: Brain injury rehabilitation is an expensive and long-term endeavour. Very little published information or debate has underpinned policy for service delivery in Australia. Within the context of finite health budgets and the challenges associated with providing optimal care to persons with brain injuries, members of the public were asked ‘What considerations are important to include in a model of care of brain injury rehabilitation?’. Methods: Qualitative study using the Citizen Jury method of participatory research. Twelve adult jurors from the community and seven witnesses participated including a health services funding model expert, peak body representative with lived experience of brain injury, carer of a person with a brain injury, and brain injury rehabilitation specialists. Witnesses were cross-examined by jurors over two days. Results: Key themes related to the need for a model of rehabilitation to: be consumer-focused and supporting the retention of hope; be long-term; provide equitable access to services irrespective of funding source; be inclusive of family; provide advocacy; raise public awareness; and be delivered by experts in a suitable environment. A set of eight recommendations were made. Conclusion: Instigating the recommendations made requires careful consideration of the need for new models of care with flexible services; family involvement; recruitment and retention of highly skilled staff; and providing consumer-focused services that prepare individuals and their carers for the long term. Patient and public contribution: As jury members, the public deliberated information provided by expert witnesses (including a person with a head injury) and wrote the key recommendations.

Background: Physical activity levels are low in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and there is limited knowledge about how pulmonary rehabilitation transforms movement behaviors. This study analyzed data from a pulmonary rehabilitation trial and identified determinants of movement behaviors.Methods: Objectively assessed time in daily movement behaviors (sleep, sedentary, light-intensity physical activity, and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity) from a randomized controlled trial (n = 73 participants) comparing home- and center-based pulmonary rehabilitation was analyzed using conventional and compositional analytical approaches. Regression analysis was used to assess relationships between movement behaviors, participant features, and response to the interventions.Results: Compositional analysis revealed no significant differences in movement profiles between the home- and center-based groups. At end rehabilitation, conventional analyses identified positive relationships between exercise capacity (6-min walk distance), light-intensity physical activity, and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity time. Compositional analyses identified positive relationships between a 6-minute walk distance and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity time, accompanied by negative relationships with sleep and sedentary time (relative to other time components) and novel relationships between body mass index and light-intensity physical activity/sedentary time.Conclusion: Compositional analyses following pulmonary rehabilitation identified unique associations between movement behaviors that were not evident in conventional analyses.

Objective To understand the patients' perspectives of the pilot Better at Home program in order to inform the development of bed substitution rehabilitation services. Methods Prospective qualitative study using semi-structured interviews undertaken 3-6 months following program participation was performed. Interviews were transcribed and themes developed by two independent researchers. Results Nineteen participants (14 females) were interviewed. Major themes found included high satisfaction with the service and a high regard for the importance of communication both within the team and with the patients. Patients had inconsistent views on the provision of services with some feeling that the program was not specific to their needs, whilst others felt it was focused and flexible. Involvement in decision-making for referral to the service was also not always fully understood. Conclusions This study provides important information that can be utilised in the development of any bed substitution home-based model of care.

Background As our population ages, older adults are increasingly exposed to trauma. Frailty could be a useful measure to identify patients at risk of a poor outcome. This study aimed to determine the impact of frailty in an Australian trauma intensive care unit (ICU) population. Methods A prospective observational study of critically ill trauma patients ≥50 years of age. Frailty was determined on admission to the ICU using the frailty phenotype. Demographic and hospital data were collected, and patients were followed up at 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome was 12-month mortality, and multiple regression was used to determine associated factors. Results One hundred thirty-eight patients were included, whose mean age was 68 years; 78.2% (108/138) were classified as major trauma (Injury Severity Score >12). Twenty-two percent (30/138) of patients were identified as frail. Patients with frailty were significantly older: however, they were less severely injured and required lower rates of surgical interventions and mechanical ventilation. Frailty was independently associated with mortality at 6 and 12 months (odds ratio: 5.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.9–18.1 and odds ratio: 7.3, 95% confidence interval: 2.5–21.9, respectively). Patients with frailty had lower measures of global functioning (Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended frail 3 [1–5] vs nonfrail 6 [(5–7], p = 0.002) and health status (Euro Qol 5Q-5D-5L utility score 0.6 [0.5–0.7] vs 0.7 [0.6–0.9], p = 0.02) at 12 months than patients without frailty. Conclusion Frailty is a useful predictor of poor outcomes in critically ill trauma patients. Registration of protocol number ACTRN12615000039583.

Objective Measurement of physical function is important to guide physical therapy for patients post-lung transplantation (LTx). The Sit-to-Stand (STS) test has proven utility in chronic disease, but psychometric properties post-LTx are unknown. The study aimed to assess reliability, validity, responsiveness, and feasibility of the 60-second STS post-LTx. Methods This was a measurement study in 62 inpatients post-LTx (31 acute postoperative; 31 medical readmissions). Interrater reliability was assessed with 2 STS tests undertaken by different assessors at baseline. Known group validity was assessed by comparing STS repetitions in postoperative and medical groups. Content validity was assessed using comparisons to knee extensor and grip strength, measured with hand-held dynamometry. Criterion validity was assessed by comparison of STS repetitions and 6-minute walk distance postoperatively. Responsiveness was assessed using effect sizes over inpatient admission. Results Median (interquartile range) age was 62 (56–67) years; time post-LTx was 5 (5–7) days postoperative and 696 (244–1849) days for medical readmissions. Interrater reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient type 2,1 = 0.96), with a mean learning effect of 2 repetitions. Repetitions were greater for medical at baseline (mean 18 vs 8). More STS repetitions were associated with greater knee extensor strength (postoperative r = 0.57; medical r = 0.47) and 6-minute walk distance (postoperative r = 0.68). Effect sizes were 0.94 and 0.09, with a floor effect of 23% and 3% at baseline (postoperative/medical) improving to 10% at discharge. Patients incapable of attempting a STS test were excluded, reducing generalizability to critical care. Physical rehabilitation was not standardized, possibly reducing responsiveness. Conclusions The 60-second STS demonstrated excellent interrater reliability and moderate validity and was responsive to change postoperatively. Impact The 60-second STS represents a safe, feasible functional performance tool for inpatients post-LTx. Two tests should be completed at each time point.

INTRODUCTION People with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience exercise intolerance, dyspnoea and poor quality of life. However, the role of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in this group is unclear. OBJECTIVES This randomised controlled trial aimed to explore the effects of home-based PR in people with mild COPD. METHODS People with mild COPD (FEV1 /FVC 80%predicted) with a smoking history of ≥10 packet years were randomised to either 8 weeks of home-based PR (one home visit and seven once-weekly telephone calls) or standard care (weekly social telephone calls). Six minute walk distance (6MWD), and Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale (mMRC) and Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ) scores were compared. RESULTS A total of 58 participants (34 males, mean age 68 (SD 9) years, FEV1 %predicted 90 (7), 6MWD 496 (105) m) were included with 31 participants randomised to home-based PR. Participants attended an average of 6.8 of the 8 scheduled sessions, ranging from 3 to 8 sessions. Both groups showed improvements in exercise capacity, symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) over time, however there was no difference in 6MWD at end-intervention (mean difference -3 m, 95% confidence interval (CI) -64 to 58) or 6 months (7 m, 95% CI -59 to 72). At 6 months home-based PR participants were more likely to have clinically important improvements in CRQ emotional function (50% of home PR vs 0% control, P

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: People living with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) report unmet needs for information and support. Lung Foundation Australia (LFA) have developed the Peer Connect Service to facilitate telephone support for people with PF across Australia. This project documented the experiences of participants and the resources required to support the service. METHODS: Consenting participants took part in semi-structured interviews by telephone. Primary peers (peers who agreed to initiate contact) and secondary peers (eligible patients who sought a peer match) were interviewed. Thematic analysis was undertaken by two independent researchers. Data were collected on the number of matches and contacts required to establish each match. RESULTS: Interviews were conducted with 32 participants (16 primary peers, 15 secondary peers and 1 who was both), aged from 53 to 89 years with 56% being male. Major themes included the value of shared experiences, providing mutual support and the importance of shared personal characteristics (e.g. gender and hobbies) in allowing information and emotional support needs to be met. Participants saw face-to-face contact with peers as highly desirable whilst acknowledging the practical difficulties. Primary peers were cognizant that their role was not to provide medical advice but to listen and share experiences. In the 12-month period, 60 peer matches were made, each match requiring a minimum of seven staff contacts. CONCLUSION: The Peer Connect Service provides a unique opportunity for people with PF to share experiences and offer mutual support. This telephone matching model may be useful in providing peer support for individuals with rare diseases who are geographically dispersed.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is an effective intervention for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). People with COPD undertake repeat programs, but synthesis of evidence regarding such practice has not been undertaken. The aim of this systematic review was to establish the effects of repeating pulmonary rehabilitation subsequent to an initial program in people with COPD.Studies where participants with COPD undertook1 pulmonary rehabilitation program were included, incorporating RCT (randomized controlled trial) and non-randomized studies. Electronic database searches were undertaken. Two authors independently undertook study identification, data extraction and risk of bias assessment. The primary outcome was health-related quality of life (HRQoL); secondary outcomes were exercise capacity, hospitalizations and exacerbations, adherence, mortality and adverse events. Narrative synthesis was undertaken for clinically heterogeneous trials. Data from RCTs and non-randomized studies were not combined for analysis.Ten included studies (2 RCTs) involved 907 participants with COPD (n=653 had undertaken1 program). The majority of studies were at high risk of bias. One RCT (n=33) reported no difference in HRQol after a repeat program vs usual care following exacerbation (Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire dyspnea domain score MD 0.4, 95% CI -0.5 to 3). In stable patients, clinically important and statistically significant improvements in HRQoL and exercise capacity were reported after repeat programs, but of a smaller magnitude than initial programs. There was evidence for reductions in exacerbations and hospitalizations, and shorter hospital length of stay for patients who repeated a program twice in 12 months compared to those who repeated once. No data for mortality or adverse events were available.This systematic review provides limited evidence for benefits of repeating pulmonary rehabilitation in people with COPD, including improved HRQoL and exercise capacity, and reduced hospitalizations. However, most studies have high risk of bias, which reduces the certainty of these conclusions.PROSPERO (CRD42020215093).

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of exercise rehabilitation in people with multimorbidity. Exercise capacity was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were: health-related quality of life, activities of daily living, cardiometabolic outcomes, mental health outcomes, symptom scores, resource utilization, health behaviours, economic outcomes, and adverse events.Data sources: A search was conducted in MEDLINE, CINHAL, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Study selection and extraction: Randomized and non-randomized controlled trials and cohort studies of exercise rehabilitation vs any comparison in people with multimorbidity.Data synthesis: Forty-four reports (38 studies) were included. Rehabilitation ranged from 8 weeks to 4 years, with 1–7 sessions of rehabilitation weekly. Exercise included aerobic and resistance, limb training, aquatic exercises and tai chi. Compared with usual care, exercise rehabilitation improved 6-min walk distance (weighted mean difference (WMD) 64 m, 95% CI 45–82) and peak oxygen consumption (WMD 2.74 mL/kg/min, 95% CI –3.32 to 8.79). Effects on cardiometabolic outcomes and health-related quality of life also favoured rehabilitation; however; few data were available for other secondary outcomes.Conclusion: In people with multimorbidity, exercise rehabilitation improved exercise capacity, health-related quality of life, and cardiometabolic outcomes. LAY ABSTRACTChronic disease is a common health problem worldwide. It is increasingly common for people to have more than 1 chronic disease, which is called multimorbidity, and the interaction of their multiple health problems may worsen their health outcomes. Exercise rehabilitation is an effective and established treatment to improve health for people with different chronic diseases, such as heart and lung disease; however, the benefit of structured rehabilitation in people with multimorbidity has not been systematically reviewed. A literature search was performed to investigate the clinical outcomes following exercise rehabilitation in people with multimorbidity. Compared with usual medical care, the results showed that exercise rehabilitation improved exercise capacity, measured by walking distance in a formal test, health-related quality of life and the body’s ability to use oxygen, in people with multimorbidity. There were few data regarding the benefit of rehabilitation on other outcomes, and more well-designed robust trials are needed.

Purpose Many older adults with a history of smoking and asthma develop clinical features of both asthma and COPD, an entity sometimes called asthma-COPD overlap (ACO). Patients with ACO may be at higher risk of poor health outcomes than those with asthma or COPD alone. However, understanding of ACO is limited in the primary care setting and more information is needed to better inform patient management. We aimed to compare the characteristics of patients with ACO or COPD in Australian general practices. Patients and methods Data were from the RADICALS (Review of Airway Dysfunction and Interdisciplinary Community-based care of Adult Long-term Smokers) trial, an intervention study of an interdisciplinary community-based model of care. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry, dyspnoea and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire scores were compared between 60 ACO patients and 212 with COPD alone. Results Pre-bronchodilator Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (mean±SD 58.4±14.3 vs 67.5±20.1% predicted) and Forced Vital Capacity (mean 82.1±16.9 v 91.9±17.2% predicted) were significantly lower in the ACO group (p

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the duration of physical activity (PA) monitoring required for reliable measurements following stroke. Design Single-center, prospective, observational study. Setting PA was measured in a community setting. Participants Adults (N=70) poststroke. Main Outcome Measures The SenseWear armband was used to monitor PA for 5 days (≥10 hours wear per day). Data Analysis Variance among 2, 3, 4, and 5 days of consecutive measurements for PA variables was examined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The minimum number of days to achieve acceptable reliability (ICC ≥0.8) was calculated. Differences between weekdays and weekend days were investigated using paired t tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Results Two days of measurement was sufficient to achieve an ICC ≥0.8 for daily averages of total energy expenditure, step count, and time spent sedentary (≤1.5 metabolic equivalent tasks [METs]) and in light (1.5-3 METs) and moderate- to vigorous-intensity (>3 METs) PA. At least 3 days were required to achieve an ICC ≥0.8 when investigating the number of and time spent in bouts (≥10 minutes) of moderate to vigorous PA and sedentary behavior. Participants took significantly more steps (P=.03) and spent more time in light PA (P=.03) on weekdays than weekends. Conclusion Following stroke, 2 days of measurement appears sufficient to represent habitual PA for many simple variables. Three or more days may be necessary for reliable estimates of bouts of PA and sedentary behavior. Consistent inclusion or exclusion of a weekend day is recommended for measuring step count and light PA. Short periods of monitoring provide reliable PA information and may make PA measurement more feasible in the clinical setting.

highlights the findings and application of Cochrane reviews and other evidence pertinent to the practice of physical therapy. The Cochrane Library is a respected source of reliable evidence related to health care. Cochrane systematic reviews explore the evidence for and against the effectiveness and appropriateness of interventions—medications, surgery, education, nutrition, exercise—and the evidence for and against the use of diagnostic tests for specific conditions. Cochrane reviews are designed to facilitate the decisions of clinicians, patients, and others in health care by providing a careful review and interpretation of research studies published in the scientific literature. Each article in this PTJ series summarizes a Cochrane review or other scientific evidence on a single topic and presents clinical scenarios based on real patients or programs to illustrate how the results of the review can be used to directly inform clinical decisions. This article focuses on people diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Can exercise-based rehabilitation programs improve exercise capacity and quality of life in people with pulmonary arterial hypertension?

Background As the older population increases, more older people are exposed to trauma. Frailty can be used to highlight patients at risk of a poorer outcome. Objective The objectives of this study were to compare 2 frailty measures with regard to concordance, floor and ceiling effects, and construct and predictive validity and to determine which is more valid and clinically applicable in a critically ill trauma population. Design This was a prospective observational study. Methods Patients were included if admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) under a trauma medical unit and ≥ 50 years old. Frailty was determined using 2 frailty measures, the Frailty Phenotype (FP) and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Results One hundred people were enrolled; their mean age was 69.2 years (SD = 10.4) and 81% had major trauma (as determined with the Injury Severity Score). Frailty was identified with the FP in 22 participants and with the CFS in 13 participants. The 2 frailty measures had an excellent correlation (Spearman rank correlation coefficient = 0.77; 95% confidence interval = 0.66–0.85). Both the FP and the CFS had large floor effects but no ceiling effects. The FP and CFS showed construct validity, with frailty being significantly associated with increasing age, requiring an aid to mobilize, and more falls and hospital admissions. Frailty on the FP was predictive of ICU and hospital mortality, whereas frailty on the CFS was predictive of hospital mortality. Limitations The limitations of this study include the use of a single site, small sample size, and collection of frailty measures retrospectively. Conclusions Measuring frailty in a trauma ICU population was feasible, with excellent correlation between the 2 frailty measures. Both showed aspects of construct and predictive validity; however, the FP identified frailty in more participants and was associated with more comorbidities and higher mortality at ICU discharge. Therefore, the FP might be more clinically relevant in this population.

The complex multisystem nature of cystic fibrosis (CF) commonly results in reduced exercise tolerance, which is independently associated with poor clinical outcomes. Exercise is routinely recommended as part of the therapeutic regimen in CF to improve both respiratory and non-respiratory impairments. Areas covered: This article summarises the most recent evidence regarding the use of exercise as a therapeutic intervention in CF and discusses some of the practical considerations for exercise prescription in this setting. Clinical trials in progress and future research priorities are outlined. Expert opinion: On the balance of available evidence, exercise is likely to assist in improving physical fitness and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and may be associated with a slower rate of decline in respiratory function in CF. Limitations to current studies include small sample sizes, study durations insufficient to achieve a training effect and difficulty distinguishing the effects of exercise training from that of other interventions implemented as part of a package of care. Larger, multi-centred trials are required to clarify the role of exercise in CF in improving physical fitness, respiratory function, HRQOL, as a substitute for traditional airway clearance techniques and in the management of common CF-related comorbidities.

Objectives To determine in women with clinically stable chronic lung disease (CLD) and healthy women; (1) prevalence of urinary incontinence; (2) risk factors for urinary incontinence; (3) effects of a standard course of specialised physiotherapy treatment (PT) in women with CLD. Design Prospective prevalence study; PT study in CLD subgroup. Setting Tertiary metropolitan public hospital. Participants Women with cystic fibrosis (CF, n = 38), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, n = 27) and 69 healthy women without CLD. PT study — 10 women with CLD. Interventions Five continence PT sessions over 3 months. Main outcome measures Prevalence and impact of incontinence (questionnaire), number of leakage episodes (7-day accident diary), pelvic floor muscle function (ultrasound imaging) and quality of life (King’s Health Questionnaire). Results The majority of women in all three groups reported episodes of incontinence (CF 71%; COPD 70%; healthy women 55%). Compared to age-matched healthy controls, women with CF reported more episodes of incontinence (P = 0.006) and more commonly reported stress incontinence (P = 0.001). A logistic regression model revealed that women with CLD were twice as likely to develop incontinence than healthy women (P = 0.05). Women with COPD reported significantly more ‘bother’ with incontinence than age-matched women with incontinence. There was a significant reduction in incontinence episodes following treatment, which was maintained after three months. Conclusions The presence of CLD is an independent predictor of incontinence in women. In older women this is associated with more distress than in age-matched peers without CLD. Larger treatment studies are indicated for women with CLD and incontinence.

Acute exacerbations are associated with disease progression, hospital admission and death in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The detrimental outcomes associated with acute exacerbations highlights a need to understand the time course of recovery following acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) so that effective and timely interventions can be provided. The aim of this narrative review was to describe the natural recovery in physiology, symptoms and function following AECOPD. Substantial recovery of lung function and airway inflammation occurs in the first week after onset of an AECOPD, whilst systemic inflammatory markers may take up to two weeks to recover. Symptoms generally improve over the first 14 days, however marked variation is evident between studies and individuals. There are limited data regarding the time course of recovery for functional capacity, quality of life and strength. In a small number of patients (

Abnormal sleep duration is associated with poor health. Upwards of 50% of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) report poor sleep quality. The effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on self-reported sleep quality is variable. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on objectively measured sleep quality (via actigraphy) in people with COPD. Sleep quality was assessed objectively using the SenseWear Armband (SWA, BodyMedia, Pittsburgh, PA), worn for ≥4 days before and immediately after completing an 8-week pulmonary rehabilitation program. Sleep characteristics were derived from accelerometer positional data and registration of sleep state by the SWA, determined from energy expenditure. Forty-eight participants (

To establish the feasibility and effectiveness of a 6-week ballistic strength training protocol in people with stroke.Randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded study.Subacute inpatient rehabilitation.Consecutively admitted inpatients with a primary diagnosis of first-ever stroke with lower limb weakness, functional ambulation category score of ≥3, and ability to walk ≥14 m were screened for eligibility to recruit 30 participants for randomization.Participants were randomized to standard therapy or ballistic strength training 3 times per week for 6 weeks.The primary aim was to evaluate feasibility and outcomes included recruitment rate, participant retention and attrition, feasibility of the exercise protocol, therapist burden, and participant safety. Secondary outcomes included measures of mobility, lower limb muscle strength, muscle power, and quality of life.A total of 30 participants (11% of those screened) with mean age of 50 years (SD 18) were randomized. The median number of sessions attended was 15 of 18 and 17 of 18 for the ballistic and control groups, respectively. Earlier than expected discharge to home (n=4) and illness (n=7) were the most common reasons for nonattendance. Participants performed the exercises safely, with no study-related adverse events. There were significant (P.05) between-group changes favoring the ballistic group for comfortable gait velocity (mean difference [MD] 0.31m/s, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.08-0.52), muscle power, as measured by peak jump height (MD 8cm, 95% CI: 3-13), and peak propulsive velocity (MD 64cm/s, 95% CI: 17-112).Ballistic training was safe and feasible in select ambulant people with stroke. Similar rates of retention and attrition suggest that ballistic training was acceptable to patients. Secondary outcomes provide promising results that warrant further investigation in a larger trial.

Background The intensive care unit mobility scale (IMS) is reliable, valid and responsive. Establishing the minimal important difference (MID) of the IMS is important in order to detect clinically significant changes in mobilization. Objective To calculate the MID of the IMS in intensive care unit patients. Methods Prospective multi center observational study. The IMS was collected from admission and discharge physiotherapy assessments. To calculate the MID we used; anchor based methods (global rating of change) and two distribution-based methods (standard error of the mean and effect size). Results We enrolled 184 adult patients; mean age 62.0 years, surgical, trauma, and medical. Anchor based methods gave a MID of 3 with area under the curve 0.94 (95% CI 0.89-0.97). The two distribution based methods gave a MID between 0.89 and 1.40. Conclusion These data increase our understanding of the clinimetric properties of the IMS, improving its utility for clinical practice and research.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to investigate the short- and long-term test-retest reliability of the 6-min walk distance (6MWD), peak heart rate, and nadir oxygen desaturation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). METHODS: A reliability study of 70 adults with IPF was undertaken within out-patient pulmonary rehabilitation programs at 2 tertiary hospitals. Participants completed 2 baseline 6-min walk tests using a standard protocol, with continuous measures of percutaneous SpO2 and heart rate via pulse oximetry. The 6-min walk test was completed immediately following an intervention period and 6 months after. Reproducibility was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: Participants with a mean ± SD diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide of 48 ± 14% were included. The reliability of the 6MWD was high (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96) with a mean learning effect of 21 m (95% CI 12–30 m). The learning effect persisted at 8 weeks (mean 14 m, 95% CI 5–23 m) but not 6 months (mean 15 m, 95% CI −1 to 30 m). Using the best (greatest) 6MWD significantly reduced the proportion of participants who were classified as having a clinically important response to rehabilitation compared with using the first 6MWD (40% vs 54%, P = .002). Nadir SpO2 was reproducible, with a mean difference of 0.7 ± 2.2%, and limits of agreement of −4 to 5%. Peak heart rate was more variable, with mean difference 5 ± 9 beats/min and limits of agreement of −12 to 20 beats/min. CONCLUSIONS: The 6MWD is a reproducible measure of exercise capacity in people with IPF. Whereas the nadir SpO2 may be accurately determined from one test, evaluating change in 6MWD with interventions may require 2 tests on each occasion. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT0016828.)

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a strongly recommended and effective treatment for people with chronic lung disease. However, access to pulmonary rehabilitation is poor. Globally, pulmonary rehabilitation is accessed by less than 3% of people with chronic lung disease. Barriers to referral, uptake and completion of pulmonary rehabilitation are well documented and linked with organizational, practitioner and patient-related factors. Enhancing the knowledge of health care professionals, family carers, and people with chronic lung disease about the program and its benefits produces modest increases in referral and uptake rates, but evidence of the sustainability of such approaches is limited. Additionally, initiatives focusing on addressing organizational barriers to access, such as expanding services and implementing alternative models to the conventional center-based setting, are not yet widely used in clinical practice. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for health care systems to deliver pulmonary rehabilitation programs remotely, safely, and efficiently. This paper will discuss the pressing need to address the issue of the low accessibility of pulmonary rehabilitation. It will also highlight the distinctive challenges to pulmonary rehabilitation delivery in rural and remote regions, as well as low-income countries.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) of unknown aetiology with a median survival of only 2–5 years. It is characterized by progressive dyspnoea and worsening lung function, ultimately resulting in death. Until recently, there were no effective therapies for IPF; however, with the publication of two landmark clinical trials in 2014, the anti-fibrotic therapies, nintedanib and pirfenidone, have gained widespread approval. This position paper aims to highlight the current evidence for the treatment of IPF, with particular application to the Australian and New Zealand population. We also consider areas in which evidence is currently lacking, especially with regard to the broader IPF severity spectrum and treatment of co-morbid conditions. The utility of non-pharmacological therapies including pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen as well as symptom management thought to be important in the holistic care of IPF patients are also discussed.

Highlights • Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (HBPR) has been used in several chronic pulmonary obstructive diseases. • HBPR has never been investigated in patients with bronchiectasis. • Short- and long-term effects of HBPR will be investigated in this population. • The study will provide evidence to guide recommendations about HBPR for bronchiectasis., Background Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation is a promising intervention that may help patients to overcome the barriers to undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation. However, home-based pulmonary rehabilitation has not yet been investigated in patients with bronchiectasis. Objectives To investigate the effects of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with bronchiectasis. Methods An open-label, randomized controlled trial with 48 adult patients with bronchiectasis will be conducted. Interventions: The program will consist of three sessions weekly over a period of 8 weeks. Aerobic exercise will consist of stepping on a platform for 20 min (intensity: 60–80% of the maximum stepping rate in incremental step test). Resistance training will be carried out using an elastic band for the following muscles: quadriceps, hamstrings, deltoids, and biceps brachii (load: 70% of maximum voluntary isometric contraction). Control: The patients will receive an educational manual and a recommendation to walk three times a week for 30 min. All patients will receive a weekly phone call to answer questions and to guide the practice of physical activity. The home-based pulmonary rehabilitation group also will receive a home visit every 15 days. Main outcome measures: incremental shuttle walk test, quality of life, peripheral muscle strength, endurance shuttle walk test, incremental step test, dyspnea, and physical activity in daily life. The assessments will be undertaken at baseline, after the intervention, and 8 months after randomization. Discussion The findings of this study will determine the clinical benefits of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation and will contribute to future guidelines for patients with bronchiectasis. Trial registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02731482). https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S00060X6&selectaction=Edit&uid=U00028HR&ts=2&cx=1jbszg

Background and objective Ambulatory oxygen therapy is often provided to patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Lightweight portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) provide an alternative to traditional portable systems such as compressed oxygen cylinders; however, their efficacy in patients with ILD has not been assessed. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of three ambulatory oxygen systems (two different POCs and a compressed oxygen cylinder) during 6-min walk tests (6MWTs) in patients with ILD and exertional desaturation. Methods A total of 20 participants with ILD of varying aetiologies who demonstrated exertional desaturation to

Inhaled mucoactive agents are used in respiratory disease to improve mucus properties and enhance secretion clearance. The effect of mannitol, recombinant human deoxyribonuclease/dornase alfa (rhDNase) and hypertonic saline (HS) or normal saline (NS) are not well described in chronic lung conditions other than cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of this review was to determine the benefit and safety of inhaled mucoactive agents outside of CF. We searched Medline, Embase, CINAHL and CENTRAL for randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of mucoactive agents on lung function, adverse events (AEs), health-related quality of life (HRQOL), hospitalization, length of stay, exacerbations, sputum clearance and inflammation. There were detrimental effects of rhDNase in bronchiectasis, with average declines of 1.9–4.3% in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ) and 3.7–5.4% in forced vital capacity (FVC) (n = 410, two studies), and increased exacerbation risk (relative risk = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.01–1.79 n = 349, one study). Some participants exhibited a reduction in FEV1 (≥10–15%) with mucoactive agents on screening (mannitol = 158 of 1051 participants, rhDNase = 2 of 30, HS = 3 of 80). Most AEs were mild and transient, including bronchospasm, cough and breathlessness. NS eased symptomatic burden in COPD, while NS and HS improved spirometry, HRQOL and sputum burden in non-CF bronchiectasis. Mannitol improved mucociliary clearance in asthma and bronchiectasis, while the effects of N-acetylcysteine were unclear. In chronic lung diseases outside CF, there are small benefits of mannitol, NS and HS. Adverse effects of rhDNase suggest this should not be administered in non-CF bronchiectasis.

Background and objective The aim of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Guidelines (Guidelines) is to provide evidence-based recommendations for the practice of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) specific to Australian and New Zealand healthcare contexts. Methods The Guideline methodology adhered to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II criteria. Nine key questions were constructed in accordance with the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) format and reviewed by a COPD consumer group for appropriateness. Systematic reviews were undertaken for each question and recommendations made with the strength of each recommendation based on the GRADE (Gradings of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) criteria. The Guidelines were externally reviewed by a panel of experts. Results The Guideline panel recommended that patients with mild-to-severe COPD should undergo PR to improve quality of life and exercise capacity and to reduce hospital admissions; that PR could be offered in hospital gyms, community centres or at home and could be provided irrespective of the availability of a structured education programme; that PR should be offered to patients with bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension, with the latter in specialized centres. The Guideline panel was unable to make recommendations relating to PR programme length beyond 8 weeks, the optimal model for maintenance after PR, or the use of supplemental oxygen during exercise training. The strength of each recommendation and the quality of the evidence are presented in the summary. Conclusion The Australian and New Zealand Pulmonary Rehabilitation Guidelines present an evaluation of the evidence for nine PICO questions, with recommendations to provide guidance for clinicians and policymakers.

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive chronic condition. Improvements in therapies have resulted in better patient outcomes. The use of technology such as telemonitoring as an additional intervention is aimed at enhancing care and reducing unnecessary acute hospital service use. The influence of verbal communication between health staff and patients to inform decision making regarding use of acute hospital services within telemonitoring studies has not been assessed.MethodA systematic overview of published systematic reviews of COPD and telemonitoring was conducted using ana prioriprotocol to ascertain the impact of verbal communication in telemonitoring studies on health service outcomes such as emergency department attendances, hospitalisation and hospital length of stay. The search of the following electronic databases: Cochrane Library, Medline, Pubmed, CINAHL, Embase, TROVE, Australian Digital Thesis and Proquest International Dissertations and Theses was conducted in 2017 and updated in September 2019.ResultsSix systematic reviews were identified. All reviews involved home monitoring of COPD symptoms and biometric data. Included reviews reported 5–28 studies with sample sizes ranging from 310 to 2891 participants. Many studies reported in the systematic reviews were excluded as they were telephone support, cost effectiveness studies, and/or did not report the outcomes of interest for this overview. Irrespective of group assignment, verbal communication with the health or research team did not alter the emergency attendance or hospitalisation outcome. The length of stay was longer for those who were assigned home telemonitoring in the majority of studies.ConclusionThis overview of telemonitoring for COPD had small sample sizes and a wide variety of included studies. Communication was not consistent in all included studies. Understanding the context of communication with study participants and the decision-making process for referring patients to various health services needs to be reported in future studies of telemonitoring and COPD.

Hanne Hoaas,1,2 Paolo Zanaboni,1 Audhild Hjalmarsen,3,4 Bente Morseth,5 Birthe Dinesen,6 Angela T Burge,7–9 Narelle S Cox,7,9 Anne E Holland7–91Norwegian Centre for E-health Research, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway; 2Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; 3Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; 4Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway; 5School of Sport Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; 6Laboratory of Welfare Technologies – Telehealth & Telerehabilitation, SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark; 7Discipline of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia; 8Department of Physiotherapy, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia; 9Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Melbourne, AustraliaPurpose: Seasons and weather conditions might influence participation in physical activity and contribute to differences between countries. This study aimed at investigating whether there were differences in physical activity levels between Norwegian, Danish and Australian people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and establishing if any variations in physical activity were attributable to seasons.Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study where study subjects were people with COPD who participated in two separate clinical trials: the iTrain study (Norway, Denmark, and Australia) and the HomeBase study (Australia). Physical activity was objectively assessed with an activity monitor; variables were total energy expenditure, number of daily steps, awake sedentary time, light, and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity. Differences in physical activity between countries and seasons were compared, with adjustment for disease severity.Results: In total, 168 participants were included from Norway (N=38), Denmark (N=36) and Australia (N=94). After controlling for disease severity, time spent in awake sedentary time was greater in Danish participants compared to the other countries (median 784 minutes/day [660–952] vs 775 minutes/day [626–877] for Norwegians vs 703 minutes/day [613–802] for Australians, P=0.013), whilst time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity was lower (median 21 minutes/day [4–73] vs 30 minutes/day [7–93] for Norwegians vs 48 minutes/day [19–98] for Australians, P=0.024). Participants walked more during summer (median 3502 [1253–5407] steps/day) than in spring (median 2698 [1613–5207] steps/day), winter (median 2373 [1145–4206] steps/day) and autumn (median 1603 [738–4040] steps/day), regardless of geography. The median difference between summer and other seasons exceeded the minimal clinically important difference of 600 steps/day. However, the differences were not statistically significant (P=0.101).Conclusion: After controlling for disease severity, Danish participants spent more time in an awake sedentary state and less time in moderate to vigorous physical activity than their counterparts in Norway and Australia. People with COPD increased their physical activity in summer compared to other seasons. Weather conditions and seasonal variations may influence outcomes in clinical trials and health registries measuring physical activity over time, irrespective of the interventions delivered, and should be taken into account when interpreting results.Keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, activity monitoring, population comparison, seasons, weather &nbsp

Background and objective: Supplemental oxygen is commonly prescribed in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), although its benefits have not been proven. The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of oxygen on oxidative stress, cytokine production, skeletal muscle metabolism and physiological response to exercise in IPF. Methods: Eleven participants with IPF received either oxygen, at an FiO2 of 0.50, or compressed air for 1h at rest and during a cycle endurance test at 85% of peak work rate. Blood samples collected at rest and during exercise were analysed for markers of oxidative stress, skeletal muscle metabolism and cytokines. The protocol was repeated a week later with the alternate intervention. Results: Compared with air, oxygen did not adversely affect biomarker concentrations at rest and significantly improved endurance time (mean difference=99±81s, P=0.002), dyspnoea (-1±1U, P=0.02), systolic blood pressure (BP; -11±11mm Hg, P=0.006), nadir oxyhaemoglobin saturation (SpO2 ; 8±6%, P=0.001), SpO2 at 2-min (7±6%, P=0.003) and 5-min isotimes (5±3, P< 0.001) and peak exercise xanthine concentrations (-42±73μmol/L, P=0.03). Air significantly increased IL-10 (5±5pg/mL, P=0.04) at 2-min isotime. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs), IL-6, TNF-α, creatine kinase, lactate, heart rate and fatigue did not differ between the two interventions at any time point. Conclusion: In patients with IPF, breathing oxygen at FiO2 of 0.50 at rest seems safe. During exercise, oxygen improves exercise tolerance, alleviates exercise-induced hypoxaemia and reduces dyspnoea. A potential relationship between oxygen administration and improved skeletal muscle metabolism should be explored in future studies.

Aroub Lahham,1,2 Christine F McDonald,2–4 Anne E Holland1,2,5 1Discipline of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University, 2Institute for Breathing and Sleep, 3Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Austin Health, 4Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, 5Department of Physiotherapy, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia Background: Physical inactivity is associated with poor outcomes in COPD, and as a result, interventions to improve physical activity (PA) are a current research focus. However, many trials have been small and inconclusive.Objective: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to study the effects of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) targeting PA in COPD.Methods: Databases (Physiotherapy Evidence Database [PEDro], Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials) were searched using the following keywords: “COPD”, “intervention” and “physical activity” from inception to May 20, 2016; published RCTs that aimed to increase PA in individuals with COPD were included. The PEDro scale was used to rate study quality. Standardized mean differences (effect sizes, ESs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined. Effects of included interventions were also measured according to the minimal important difference (MID) in daily steps for COPD (599 daily steps).Results: A total of 37 RCTs with 4,314 participants (mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) % predicted 50.5 [SD=10.4]) were identified. Interventions including exercise training (ET; n=3 studies, 103 participants) significantly increased PA levels in COPD compared to standard care (ES [95% CI]; 0.84 [0.44–1.25]). The addition of activity counseling to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR; n=4 studies, 140 participants) showed important effects on PA levels compared to PR alone (0.47 [0.02–0.92]), achieving significant increases that exceeded the MID for daily steps in COPD (mean difference [95% CI], 1,452 daily steps [549–2,356]). Reporting of methodological quality was poor in most included RCTs.Conclusion: Interventions that included ET and PA counseling during PR were effective strategies to improve PA in COPD. Keywords: pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive, physical activity, interventions

Aim: To document the range of physiotherapy interventions undertaken by stroke patients with mobility deficits during ‘usual care’ in inpatient rehabilitation. Methods: Twenty consecutively admitted adults were approached to participate if they met the inclusion criteria: diagnosis of first stroke with leg weakness; functional ambulation category score ≥3; able to mobilise ≥14 metres on level ground; and able to provide consent. All individual physiotherapy sessions for each participant were observed for one day. The duration of each therapy session was recorded, as well as the duration and type of specific physiotherapy interventions. Findings: Twenty participants (12 males, 8 females; mean ± SD age: 69 ± 20 years) were observed. All participants attended at least one individual session of physiotherapy on the day this study was conducted. Physiotherapy sessions lasted 47.8 ± 7.6 minutes, with an average of 17.9 ± 6.9 minutes spent resting. The most frequently provided therapies were: gait training (10.8 ± 4.7 minutes per session); strength training (8.5 ± 7.0 minutes per session); and balance training (6.2 ± 3.6 minutes per session). Conclusions: In this sample of ambulant patients following stroke, inpatient physiotherapy rehabilitation focused on gait training, lower limb strengthening and balance training. Active therapy time was low and long rest periods with no prescribed activity were evident, which suggests therapy time is not optimally utilised in this population.