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. 2012 Mar;23(1):5-13.

Early mobilization in the intensive care unit: a systematic review

Joseph Adler  1 , Daniel Malone
Affiliations

Early mobilization in the intensive care unit: a systematic review

Joseph Adler et al. Cardiopulm Phys Ther J. 2012 Mar.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the literature related to mobilization of the critically ill patient with an emphasis on functional outcomes and patient safety.

Methods: We searched the electronic databases of PubMed, CINAHL, Medline (Ovid), and The Cochrane Library for a period spanning 2000-2011. Articles used in this review included randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials, prospective and retrospective analyses, and case series in peer-reviewed journals. Sackett's Levels of Evidence were used to classify the current literature to evaluate the strength of the outcomes reported.

Results: Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. According to Sackett's Levels of Evidence, 9 studies were level 4 evidence, one study was level 3, 4 studies were level 2, and one study was level one evidence. Ten studies pertained to patient safety/feasibility and 10 studies pertained to functional outcomes with 5 fitting into both categories.

Conclusion: A search of the scientific literature revealed a limited number of studies that examined the mobilization of critically ill patients in the intensive care unit. However, literature that does exist supports early mobilization and physical therapy as a safe and effective intervention that can have a significant impact on functional outcomes.

Keywords: critical illness; exercise; intensive care unit; mobilization; physical therapy.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Search algorithm.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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