Improving recovery for patients after critical illness

IMPROVE: Evaluation of a Combined Lifestyle Intervention Program to Improve Quality of Life in Long-term ICU-survivors

NA · Frisius Medisch Centrum · NCT05182086

This study is testing a new program that combines group exercise and better nutrition to help patients recover and feel stronger after being in critical care.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFrisius Medisch Centrum (other)
Locations1 site (Leeuwarden)
Trial IDNCT05182086 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance the recovery of patients who have survived critical illness by implementing a comprehensive lifestyle intervention that includes group physical therapy and dietary improvements. The focus is on addressing long-term health issues such as muscle weakness and malnutrition that often follow intensive care unit (ICU) admission. By combining physical rehabilitation with nutritional optimization, the study seeks to improve physical performance and overall quality of life for these patients. Participants will be monitored for their progress over a specified period to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old who have been discharged from the ICU for at least 6 weeks but less than 6 months, have a RAND-36 physical functioning score below 67%, and can attend hospital visits twice a week.

Not a fit: Patients with allergies to the study's nutritional components or those currently engaged in a professional physical rehabilitation program may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life and physical health of patients recovering from critical illness.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that combined interventions focusing on physical and nutritional rehabilitation can lead to improved outcomes for ICU survivors, suggesting a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria Long stay post-ICU patients (length of stay ≥48h) between 6 weeks and 6 months after hospital discharge AND \>18 years old AND able to visit the hospital 2 times a week AND a RAND-36 physical functioning subscale score \< 67%

Exclusion criteria

* Allergy to components of ProSource® (Allergy information: gluten-free, lactose-free, NOT cow's milk free (wey-protein), produced in a factory in which soy, wheat and nuts are processed.
* Inability to understand the Dutch language
* Actively participating in a professional physical rehabilitation program during the study period.

Note: previous participation in a concluded rehabilitation program is NOT an exclusion criterion.

Where this trial is running

Leeuwarden

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Post Intensive Care Unit Syndrome, Critical Illness, Malnutrition, Muscle Weakness

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.