Feasibility and acceptability of a self-managed exercise to rhythmic music intervention for ICU survivors

Background: Post-ICU rehabilitation is a challenging clinical issue for patients discharged from an Intensive Care Unit ("ICU survivors"). Our exercise to rhythmic music intervention was designed to allow ICU survivors to self-manage their exercise by following a personalized, recorded exercise playlist. Aim: Our study reports the feasibility and acceptability of an innovative music intervention among ICU survivors enrolled in a randomized controlled pilot study. Methods: ICU survivors, admitted in ICU for at least 5 days and cognitively intact, were randomly assigned to an exercise to rhythmic music group (n = 10) or an active control group (n = 10). Participants in the music group were taught to self-manage exercise by listening to a recorded playlist of instructions and music-facilitated movements tailored to their musical preference and exercise ability. Participants in the control group were provided a brochure with exercise instructions. After 5 days or at hospital discharge, participants completed an 8-item acceptability questionnaire and were interviewed. Content analysis was conducted. Results: 18 Participants were included for final analysis. Participants were 61.8 +/- 14.7 years old, predominantly male (66.7%), and Caucasian (55.6%). Results demonstrated feasibility, as the study team was able to meet the enrollment goal of 5-6 participants per month. Three themes related to general, physical, and psychosocial benefits were identified. Based on positive feedback, the exercise to rhythmic music intervention was deemed acceptable. Conclusion: The exercise to rhythmic music intervention was feasible and acceptable, suggesting that clinical trials with larger sample sizes should investigate the effects of the intervention on outcomes among ICU survivors.