Does a six week supervised Exercise programme improve fitness and well-being in Post Intensive Care patients? (EPIC)

A randomised controlled trial examining the effect of a six week supervised exercise programme on patient fitness and hospital related anxiety and depression following an intensive care length of stay of greater than 48 hours

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ISRCTN

Registry ID

ISRCTN11853373

Enrollment

Registered

2012-02-07

Start date

2011-11-01

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2019-07-01

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Any patient who has been a patient on ICU (general) for 48 hours or more Not Applicable

Interventions

Six week, twice weekly, supervised exercise programme which includes: 1. Cardiovascular exercise on treadmill, cycle ergometer, rowing machine and stepper 2. Balance ex

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: 1. Male or female patients who are aged 18 years or more (no upper age limit) 2. Patients who have had a length of stay on ICU for more than 48 hours 3. Patients who have been discharged home and are attending follow up clinic within 6 months of their discharge from ICU 4. Patients who can follow instructions 5. Patients who are not already enrolled in a rehabilitation programme 6. Patients who live within commutable distance

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: 1. Patients who do not consent to participation in the study 2. Patients aged less than 18 years 3. Patients hospitalised for longer than 6 months since their discharge from ICU 4. Patients who lack capacity to follow instructions 5. Patients who are already enrolled in a rehabilitation programme 6. Patients who live outside of commutable distance 7. Patients with any medical contraindications to exercise, including: 7.1. Unstable angina or myocardial infarction in the preceding month 7.2. Unmanaged valvular problems 7.3. Patients awaiting further definitive treatment (e.g. open abdominal wound) 7.4. Pregnancy where the patient has been advised against exercise

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Cardiopulmonary fitness: Six minute walk test (Guyatt et al 1985)	—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
1. Balance: measured by the Berg Balance Score (Berg et al 1989) 2. Grip strength as measured by JAMAR grip dynamometer 3. Anxiety and depression as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (Zigmond and Snaith 1983)	—

Countries

United Kingdom

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ISRCTN (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026