RehabTech Solution: Parallel Bars- Addressing a Critical Need

More than 5 million ICU patients are admitted annually, with older adults and those with cardiac, respiratory, or neurological conditions most frequently affected. For patients connected to ventilators and other monitoring equipment, standing is incredibly challenging and getting to the rehab gym is nearly impossible. Isolation, fatigue, delirium, and staffing shortages exacerbate the issue, leading to hospital-induced deconditioning, longer stays, higher costs, and severe health complications, including pressure sores, respiratory issues, and cognitive decline.

During the pandemic, these challenges reached a crisis point, exposing an urgent need for early mobility solutions. The stakes were especially high for ventilated patients, who make up 20-40% of ICU admissions, critical standing and balancing exercises were often unattainable.

Patient falls alone cost the US healthcare system $50 billion annually, underscoring the need for interventions that improve mobility, enhance recovery, and reduce costs. Safe Patient Handling (SPH) protocols aim to address these challenges and improve patient quality of life, but more adaptable, innovative solutions are essential to closing the gaps in care.

Interventions for Safe Patient Handling (SPH) in Intensive Care Units (ICU) and Beyond

Effective rehabilitation necessitates tailored interventions designed to address the specific needs of individual patients. Evidence-based programs, such as the ABCDEF Bundling framework and the Veterans Administration Mobility and Screening Tool, have demonstrated efficacy in systematically implementing protocols that consider a patient’s clinical status. These methodologies have proven to minimize complications, such as hospital-acquired deconditioning while enhancing recovery outcomes. Interdisciplinary teams undergo structured training through hands-on workshops to develop proficiency in deploying evidence-based practices and utilizing assistive technologies. These workshops are critical for ensuring confidence and competence in executing mobility protocols. Despite the demonstrated benefits, logistical barriers, such as resource limitations and the integration of Safe Patient Handling (SPH) equipment into existing workflows, often hinder the consistent application of these interventions, underscoring the need for innovative, adaptable solutions to support early mobility initiatives.

A New Solution: Portable Parallel Bars

In response to this critical need, Portable Parallel Bars were designed with input from physical and occupational therapy experts at the Veterans Health Administration Innovators Network (VHA iNet). This mobile tool was codeveloped with Wareologie™, a product development consulting firm, to enable bedside therapy, overcoming many of the barriers associated with immobility.

The bars fold, have wheels, and are stable, empowering clinicians to assist patients in standing, balancing, and strength-building without requiring time-consuming transfers to therapy gyms. Preliminary outcomes highlight the device’s significant impact: clinicians report enhanced safety and ease of use, while patients regain confidence and access therapy more effectively and sooner in the recovery process.

“We can deliver therapy on wheels and be more mobile and give benefits to patients earlier on..For PT's the device will reduce physical strain that we have while mobilizing patients." 

Peter DiSalvo, DPT, VHA Innovation Network, Central VHA, Richmond, VA

Particularly valuable for complex patient populations—including trauma, neurological, bariatric, and pediatric cases—the bars reduce fatigue associated with gym transfers and restore dignity by enabling activities like using a bedside commode instead of a bedpan, lowering risks of complications such as urinary tract infections (UTIs). 

For clinicians, the Portable Parallel Bars address pressing workforce challenges. Patient transfers and manual therapy account for over 55% of workers’ compensation claims, costing hospitals $4 billion annually, with lower back injuries being especially common. This mobile, durable solution reduces these risks and supports safer, more efficient workflows.

“The ability to be portable with the bars helps me safely treat Veterans while using a ceiling lift.” Dr. Brittany Applebee PT, DPT, GCS, Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH

Adoption is growing across ICUs, acute care, skilled nursing, and outpatient facilities. Clinicians value the familiarity and versatility of the bars, which integrate seamlessly into SPH protocols and enable more independent care. Early Mobility Advocates and SPH managers endorse the device for its transformative impact on patient outcomes and clinician safety.

Preliminary Feasibility Survey Results: Transforming Care with Mobile Treatment

Preliminary feasibility surveys paint a compelling picture of success. Clinicians rated the Portable Parallel Bars an average of 5.5 out of 6 on a Likert scale, reflecting widespread satisfaction with its safety, usability, and positive impact on recovery outcomes.

Key findings include:

• Safety and Confidence: Clinicians feel secure using the device, while patients demonstrate improved mobility and confidence.

• Enhanced Accessibility: Bedside therapy becomes more immediate and effective.

• Ease of Use: The intuitive design integrates seamlessly into care routines.

• Recovery Impact: Early adopters report improved outcomes, even in complex cases.

• Positive Experiences: Clinicians overwhelmingly recommend the device.

Real-world applications span diverse patient populations and care settings. The device supports trauma patients, stroke survivors, bariatric and pediatric cases, ventilated patients, cancer survivors, and individuals managing chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis. By allowing patients to stand, balance, and build strength at their bedside, the bars reduce both physical and emotional strain associated with traditional therapy routines.

Beyond clinical settings, the potential for home use offers hope to aging adults and individuals with spinal cord injuries seeking safe, effective ways to maintain mobility and independence.

“Our Rehab Therapists in Novi are one of the first to use this ground-breaking, innovative piece of equipment that will positively impact customer service/patient outcomes.  We envision that in addition to impacting a patient's outcome, there may be a positive financial/cost-savings to our hospital, as this may afford earlier mobility at the bedside of our most vulnerable patients, leading to shorter length of stay in the ICUs, shorter hospital LOS, decreased episodes of delirium and/or all of the other detrimental effects from prolonged bed rest.”  

Annette M. Bielski, PT, CLT, Manager Rehab Services, & SCCE, Ascension Providence Hospital, Novi Campus, MI

Call to Action

The Portable Parallel Bars are more than a tool—they are a lifeline that restores dignity, independence, and hope to patients while enhancing clinician safety and efficiency. Healthcare leaders, policymakers, and care providers must prioritize investments in early mobility training practices and investments in innovations like this. By integrating these solutions into SPH protocols and expanding their use to home health settings, we can transform recovery outcomes for millions of patients.

Let’s take confident steps toward a future where mobility challenges no longer hinder recovery, dignity, or quality of life.

AUTHOR

GINA ADAMS is a life-long advocate for the advancement of non-invasive health innovations and modalities. She employs her MBA to foster a profound communication bridge between industry, clinical sciences, and the many victims of chronic illness and traumatic injury. As an entrepreneur, Gina led entire product development projects and formed partnerships within the healthcare industries while successfully navigating through the challenges of acquiring FDA compliance for patient rehabilitation technologies.  Her latest undertaking is spearheading a national outreach to unite with global advocates, clinical specialists, and public educators to expand resources. As a ranking member of the Women's Professional Health Collaborative, she is dedicated to expanding resources, education, and actionable solutions to improve lives.

Reference

1. Cameron et al., 2015; Desai, Law, & Needham, 2011; Lipshutz & Gropper, 2013; Needham et al., 2012, https://cjccn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/CJCCN-29-3-2018Rev.pdf#page=26

2. Intensive Care Statistics by Society of Critical Care Medicine https://www.sccm.org/communications/critical-care-statistics#:~:text=More%20than%205%20million%20patients,exacerbations%20of%20complex%20chronic%20conditions.

3. “Clinical and Psychological Effects of Early Mobilization in Patients Treated in a Neurologic ICU: A Comparative Study”, Klein, Kate ACNP-BC, CCRN1; Mulkey, Malissa MSN, RN, CCNS, CCRN, CNRN2; Bena, James F. MS3; Albert, Nancy M. PhD, CCNS, CCRN, FCCM4. *. Critical Care Medicine 43(4):p 865-873, April 2015. | DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000000787