Early Mobilization and Rehabilitation of Critically-ill Patients

Abstract

20 Post-intensive care unit (ICU) syndrome may occur after ICU treatment and includes ICU-21 acquired weakness (ICU-AW), cognitive decline, and mental problems. ICU-AW is muscle 22 weakness in patients treated in the ICU and is affected by the period of mechanical ventilation. 23 Diaphragmatic weakness may also occur because of respiratory muscle unloading using 24 mechanical ventilators. ICU-AW is an independent predictor of mortality and is associated with 25 longer duration of mechanical ventilation and hospital stay. Diaphragm weakness is also 26 associated with poor outcomes. Therefore, pulmonary rehabilitation with early mobilization 27 and respiratory muscle training is necessary in the ICU after appropriate patient screening and 28 evaluation and can improve ICU-related muscle weakness and functional deterioration.