[Complete bed rest prescription in an internal medicine ward: a dangerous treatment?]

Abstract

A general knowledge led to the assumption that bed rest is beneficial for most illnesses and bed rest is prescribed in a large number of medical conditions. However, evidence from randomised studies and systematic reviews suggest a potentially harmful effect of bed rest. This review article discusses the utility of bed rest in some frequent medical pathologies such as myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, community acquired-pneumonia, and low back pain.