Mobilizing Progress: A Comprehensive Review of the Efficacy of Early Mobilization Therapy in the Intensive Care Unit.

Early mobilization therapy has emerged as a crucial aspect of intensive care unit (ICU) management, aiming to counteract the detrimental effects of prolonged immobility in critically ill patients. This comprehensive review examines the efficacy of early mobilization therapy in the ICU setting, synthesizing evidence from clinical trials, meta-analyses, and guidelines. Key findings indicate that early mobilization is associated with numerous benefits, including reduced muscle weakness, a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, decreased ICU and hospital length of stay, and improved functional outcomes. However, safety concerns, staffing limitations, and patient-specific considerations pose significant barriers to widespread adoption. Despite these challenges, early mobilization is important for improving ICU patient outcomes. This review underscores the critical need for continued research and implementation efforts to optimize early mobilization protocols, address remaining challenges, and expand access to this beneficial therapy. By working collaboratively to overcome barriers and prioritize early mobilization, healthcare providers can enhance the quality of care and improve outcomes for critically ill patients in the ICU.

Mobilization with Femoral Catheters in the Burn ICU: A retrospective review following change in practice guidelines.

Femoral catheters are a known barrier for Burn ICU mobility progression due to the anatomical location and potential risk of complications. The purpose of this study was to examine outcomes and complication rates following implementation of femoral catheter mobilization guidelines, as well as determine safety and feasibility of mobilization with femoral catheters in place within the burn population. Retrospective review was completed on 17 patients prior to and following implementation of new femoral catheter mobility guidelines, 34 patients total. Burn therapy notes were reviewed for burn admissions with at least one femoral catheter in place, including arterial, central, and dialysis catheters. Demographic data, admission statistics, line placement timelines, and active mobility achieved during therapy sessions were recorded for both the non-mobilization (NMG) and mobilization groups (MG). The 34 patients reviewed had 99 total lines placed (30 NMG, 69 MG). Change in mobility protocols for the MG resulted in more therapy sessions (n=516 vs 281) and a significant increase in active mobility sessions (n=83 vs 5, p < 0.001), including 146 total mobility activities such as transitions to chairs, tilt table, sitting edge of bed (EOB), standing, active chair transfers, ambulation, and cycle ergometry. No catheter associated adverse events occurred during active mobility sessions and no complications were associated with participation in mobility. This study supports that the presence of femoral catheters alone should not limit the progression of mobility interventions. Using clinical judgement and specialty training, burn therapists can safely mobilize burn ICU patients with femoral catheters in place.

Feasibility and Inter-rater Reliability of the Japanese Version of the Intensive Care Unit Mobility Scale.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to verify the feasibility and inter-rater reliability of the Japanese version of the Intensive Care Unit Mobility Scale (IMS). Methods A prospective observational study was conducted at two intensive care units (ICUs) in Japan. The feasibility of the Japanese version of the IMS was assessed by 25 ICU staff (12 physical therapists and 13 nurses) using a 10-item questionnaire. Inter-rater reliability was assessed by two experienced physical therapists and two experienced nurses working with 100 ICU patients using the Japanese version of the IMS. Results In the questionnaire survey assessing feasibility, a high agreement rate was shown in 8 out of the 10 questions. All respondents could complete the IMS evaluation, and most respondents were able to complete the scoring of the IMS in a short time. The inter-rater reliability of the Japanese version of the IMS on the first day of physical therapy for ICU patients was 0.966 (95% CI: 9.94-9.99) for the weighted kappa coefficient and 0.985 (95% CI: 9.97-9.99) on the ICU discharge date assessment. The weighted κ coefficient showed an "almost perfect agreement" of 0.8 or higher. Conclusion The Japanese version of the IMS is a feasible tool with strong inter-rater reliability for the measurement of physical activity in ICU patients.

Assessing the impact of early progressive mobilization on moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of neurodisability worldwide, with notably high disability rates among moderately severe TBI cases. Extensive previous research emphasizes the critical need for early initiation of rehabilitation interventions for these cases. However, the optimal timing and methodology of early mobilization in TBI remain to be conclusively determined. Therefore, we explored the impact of early progressive mobilization (EPM) protocols on the functional outcomes of ICU-admitted patients with moderate to severe TBI. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at a trauma ICU of a medical center; 65 patients were randomly assigned to either the EPM group or the early progressive upright positioning (EPUP) group. The EPM group received early out-of-bed mobilization therapy within seven days after injury, while the EPUP group underwent early in-bed upright position rehabilitation. The primary outcome was the Perme ICU Mobility Score and secondary outcomes included Functional Independence Measure motor domain (FIM-motor) score, phase angle (PhA), skeletal muscle index (SMI), the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), and duration of ventilation. RESULTS: Among 65 randomized patients, 33 were assigned to EPM and 32 to EPUP group. The EPM group significantly outperformed the EPUP group in the Perme ICU Mobility and FIM-motor scores, with a notably shorter ICU stay by 5.9 days (p < 0.001) and ventilation duration by 6.7 days (p = 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed in PhAs. CONCLUSION: The early progressive out-of-bed mobilization protocol can enhance mobility and functional outcomes and shorten ICU stay and ventilation duration of patients with moderate-to-severe TBI. Our study's results support further investigation of EPM through larger, randomized clinical trials. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04810273 . Registered 13 March 2021.

Serum C-reactive protein value on day 14 as a possible prognostic factor of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), as a reflection of early brain injury at onset, is a prognostic factor in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). However, in some severe cases, patients exhibit a good prognosis despite their elevated serum CRP level. Therefore, we examined the relationship between serum CRP transitions in the acute phase of aSAH and the prognosis. METHODS: We recruited 63 patients with aSAH and retrospectively analyzed the relationships between the serum CRP transitions during the acute phase and the prognosis, patient background, and clinical course. RESULTS: Serum CRP values on days 1, 3, and 14 were significantly lower in the good prognosis group than those in the poor prognosis group. Moreover, serum CRP values on days 1 and 14 significantly affected the prognosis in the multiple regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: A low serum CRP value on day 14, in addition to that on day 1 as reported previously, is associated with a good prognosis of aSAH. Furthermore, a good prognosis of aSAH is determined not only by absence of early brain injury at onset but also by appropriate management to obtain a low serum CRP value on day 14.

Safety and practicality study of using an exoskeleton in acute neurosurgery patients.

INTRODUCTION: Early mobilization is key in neurologically impaired persons, limiting complications and improving long-term recovery. Self-balanced exoskeletons are used in rehabilitation departments to help patients stand and walk. We report the first case series of exoskeleton use in acute neurosurgery and intensive care patients, evaluating safety, clinical feasibility and patients' satisfaction. METHODS: We report a retrospective observational study including individuals hospitalized in the neurosurgical intensive care and neurosurgery departments. We included patients with a medical prescription for an exoskeleton session, and who met no contraindication. Patients benefited from standing sessions using a self-balanced exoskeleton (Atalante, Wandercraft, France). Patients and sessions data were collected. Safety, feasibility and adherence were evaluated. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were scheduled for 70 standing sessions, of which 27 (39%) were completed. They were typically hospitalized for intracranial hemorrhage (74%) and presented with unilateral motor impairments, able to stand but with very insufficient weight shifting to the hemiplegic limb, requiring support (MRC 36.2 ± 3.70, SPB 2.0 ± 1.3, SPD 0.7 ± 0.5). The average duration of standing sessions was 16 ± 9 min. The only side effect was orthostatic hypotension (18.5%), which resolved with returning to seating position. The most frequent reason for not completing a session was understaffing (75%). All patients were satisfied and expressed a desire to repeat it. CONCLUSIONS: Physiotherapy using the exoskeleton is safe and feasible in the acute neurosurgery setting, although it requires adaptation from the staff to organize the sessions. An efficacy study is ongoing to evaluate the benefits for the patients.

Immobilization Period for the Non-Operative Treatment of Proximal Humerus Fractures: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: Proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) are common fractures in the elderly and are typically treated conservatively with immobilization. However, there is no consensus on whether to choose early or late conventional mobilization, taking their outcomes into account. This paper reviews comparative studies on the clinical outcomes of one- and three-week immobilization periods in terms of limb function, pain intensity, and complications following the adoption of the non-surgical treatment of PHF. Methods: The current systematic review started with searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on PHF patients to compare the clinical outcomes between patients receiving the one-week mobilization (early mobilization) and those receiving the three-week mobilization (late mobilization). We also performed a meta-analysis to compare the two groups' limb function and pain levels at three and six months of follow-up. Results: Five of the seven RCTs had adequate data to be included in the meta-analysis. The quantitative results showed that the early mobilized patients had improved limb function at three [weighted mean difference (WMD): 5.15 (CI 95%: 0.68-9.62)] and six [WMD: 3.51 (CI 95%: 0.43-6.60)] months, but not at 12 months of follow-up. At either three, six, or 12 months, there was no difference in pain intensity between the two groups. Conclusion: This review supports the adoption of early mobilization at one week for the non-operative management of PHFs. However, to compare the long-term effects, more clinical trials with longer follow-ups are needed.

To cast or not to cast? Postoperative care of ankle fractures: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Postoperative care of ankle fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a debated topic. A meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials was conducted with the aim of comparing early mobilization and weightbearing to traditional postoperative protocols. A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Only randomized clinical trials were included. Data about clinical outcome, time to return to work and complications were extracted and summarized. Meta-analyses were performed. Twenty studies for a total of 1328 patients were included. Early mobilization was compared to immobilization in 724 patients: the two groups did not significantly differ in terms of short- and long-term clinical outcome (p = 0.08 and p = 0.41, respectively). However, early mobilization resulted to be significantly associated with faster return to work (p = 0.047). Early weightbearing was compared to nonweightbearing in 1088 patients. While the clinical difference between the two groups was not significant at short term (p = 0.08), it was significant at long term (p = 0.002). No other significant differences, in particular regarding complications, were highlighted between different groups. Early motion, early weightbearing and traditional postoperative protocols are all safe strategies after ORIF for unstable ankle fractures. Early mobilization is significantly associated with faster return to work and early weightbearing improves long term clinical outcome.Level of evidence: I.

Early physical rehabilitation dosage in the IntensiveCare Unit predicts hospital outcomes after criticalCOVID-19.

Objective: to examine the relationship between physical rehabilitation parameters including a novel approach to quantifying dosage with hospital outcomes for patients with critical COVID-19. Design: Retrospective practice analysis from March 5, 2020, to April 15, 2021. Setting: Intensive care units (ICU) at four medical institutions. Patients: n = 3,780 adults with ICU admission and diagnosis of COVID-19. Interventions: We measured the physical rehabilitation treatment delivered in ICU and patient outcomes: 1) mortality; 2) discharge disposition; and 3) physical function at hospital discharge measured by the Activity Measure-Post Acute Care (AM-PAC) "6-Clicks" (6-24, 24=greater functional independence). Physical rehabilitation dosage was defined as the average mobility level scores in the first three sessions (a surrogate measure of intensity) multiplied by the rehabilitation frequency (PT + OT frequency in hospital). Measurements and Main Results: The cohort was a mean 64 ± 16 years old, 41% female, mean BMI of 32 ± 9 kg/m2 and 46% (n=1739) required mechanical ventilation. For 2191 patients with complete data, rehabilitation dosage and AM-PAC at discharge were moderately, positively associated (Spearman's rho [r] = 0.484, p < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression (model adjusted R2= 0.68, p <0.001) demonstrates mechanical ventilation (ß = -0.86, p = 0.001), average mobility score in first three sessions (ß = 2.6, p <0.001) and physical rehabilitation dosage (ß = 0.22, p = 0.001) were predictive of AM-PAC scores at discharge when controlling for age, sex, BMI, and ICU LOS. Conclusions: Greater physical rehabilitation exposure early in the ICU is associated with physical function at hospital discharge.

The Physical Abilities and Mobility Scale as a New Measure of Functional Progress in the PICU.

Assessing functional motor changes and their relationship to discharge needs in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) population is difficult given challenges quantifying small functional gains with current tools. Therefore, we compared the Physical Abilities and Mobility Scale (PAMS) to the Functional Status Scale (FSS) in PICU patients to assess correlation and differences and association with discharge needs. This study was a retrospective chart review of all patients (2-18 years old) admitted to the PICU and cardiac PICU for over 9 months who received early mobility services, including PAMS and FSS scoring. Correlation between scales, relationship of scores to disposition, and logistic regression model of changes in PAMS in relation to disposition were determined. Data were obtained for 122 patients. PAMS and FSS scores strongly negatively correlated (Spearman's ρ = - 0.85), but with a nonlinear relationship, as the PAMS more readily differentiated among patients with higher functional status. The median FSS at discharge was 12.5 for those recommended an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) ( n = 24), versus 9 for those recommended discharge home ( n = 83, Δ 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1-6, around one-tenth of FSS scale). The corresponding median PAMS were 42 and 66 (Δ 24, 95% CI: 10-30, one-fourth of PAMS scale). Although not statistically significant, a logistic regression model was consistent with patients who showed modest change in PAMS across hospitalization but persistent deficits (PAMS < 60) were more likely to be recommended an IRF. The PAMS correlates to the FSS, but appears more sensitive to small functional changes, especially in higher functioning patients. It may be useful in prognosticating discharge needs.

Status quo and influencing factors of multiprofessional and multidisciplinary teamwork for early mobilization in mechanically ventilated patients in ICUs: A multi-centre survey study.

AIM: To understand the status quo of multiprofessional and multidisciplinary collaboration for early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients in Chinese ICUs and identify any factors that may influence this practice. DESIGN: A multi-centre cross-sectional survey. METHODS: From October to November 2022, the convenience sampling method was used to select ICU multiprofessional and multidisciplinary early mobility members (including physicians, nurses and physiotherapists) from 27 tertiary general hospitals in 14 provinces, cities and autonomous regions of China. They were asked to complete an author-developed questionnaire on the status of collaboration and the Assessment of Inter-professional Team Collaboration Scale. A multiple linear regression model was used to analyse the factors associated with the level of collaboration. RESULTS: Physicians, nurses and physiotherapists mostly suffered from the lack of normative protocols, unclear division of responsibilities and unclear multiprofessional and multidisciplinary teams when using a collaborative approach to early activities. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the number of ICU patients managed, the existence of norms and processes, the attitude of colleagues around them, the establishment of a team, communication methods and activity leaders were significant influences on the level of collaboration among members of the multiprofessional and multidisciplinary early activities. CONCLUSION: The collaboration of multiprofessional and multidisciplinary early activity members for mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU remains unclear, and the collaboration strategy needs to be constructed and improved, taking into account China's human resources and each region's economic development level. IMPACT: This study investigates the collaboration status of multiprofessional and multidisciplinary activity members from the perspective of teamwork, analyses the reasons affecting the level of collaboration and helps to develop better teamwork strategies to facilitate the implementation of early activities. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The participants in this study were multiprofessional and multidisciplinary medical staff who performed early activities for ICU patients.

The Effects of the Pericapsular Nerve Group Block on Postoperative Pain in Patients with Hip Fracture: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: An adequate early mobilization followed by an effective and pain-free rehabilitation are critical for clinical and functional recovery after hip and proximal femur fracture. A multimodal approach is always recommended so as to reduce the administered dose of analgesics, drug interactions, and possible side effects. Peripheral nerve blocks should always be considered in addition to spinal or general anesthesia to prolong postoperative analgesia. The pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block appears to be a less invasive and more effective analgesia technique compared to other methods. METHODS: We conducted multicenter retrospective clinical research, including 98 patients with proximal femur fracture undergoing osteosynthesis surgery within 48 h of occurrence of the fracture. Thirty minutes before performing spinal anesthesia, 49 patients underwent a femoral nerve (FN) block plus a lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LCFN) block, and the other 49 patients received a PENG block. A non-parametric Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney (α = 0.05) test was performed to evaluate the difference in resting and dynamic numerical rating scale (NRS) at 30 min, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h. RESULTS: the PENG block administration was more effective in reducing pain intensity compared to the FN block in association with the LFCN block, as seen in the resting and dynamic NRS at thirty minutes and 12 h follow-up. CONCLUSION: the PENG block was more effective in reducing pain intensity than the femoral nerve block associated with the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block in patients with proximal femur fracture undergoing to osteosynthesis.

Neurorehabilitation across the Continuum: From the Neurocritical care unit to home.

Children admitted to neurocritical care units often experience new neurodevelopmental disabilities due to both their acquired neurologic injuries and deconditioning from prolonged hospitalizations. Rehabilitation for critically ill children is multifactorial and begins in the intensive care unit itself. The goals of rehabilitation include prevention of complications associated with immobilization and evolving tone, comprehensive evaluation and treatment of functional deficits, and implementation of adaptive strategies with the goal of maximizing recovery. As a child progresses along the medical continuum from the neurocritical care unit to acute care to post-hospitalization settings, their rehabilitative needs and interventions should also evolve. A child in the neurocritical care unit is likely to have sustained an acquired brain injury. Whether resulting from traumatic or non-traumatic causes, all etiologies of pediatric acquired brain injury can result in significant challenges for the child and their family. Post-intensive care syndrome-pediatrics is a clinical construct that that systematically organizes the range of physical, cognitive, psychological, and social symptoms that emerge in both a child and their family members following a critical illness. Ideally, outpatient care for this population evaluates and supports all areas of post-intensive care syndrome-pediatrics through an interdisciplinary clinical care model. Proactive and comprehensive rehabilitation across the continuum provides the opportunity to support the child and their family in all areas affected, thereby minimizing distress, maximizing function, and optimizing outcomes.

Eficacia del protocolo Start to move en funcionalidad, DA-UCI y delirio: ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Efficacy of the «Start to move» protocol on functionality, ICU-acquired weakness and delirium: Randomized clinical trial

Objetivo Evaluar la eficacia del protocolo Start to move comparado con el tratamiento convencional en sujetos mayores de 15 años hospitalizados en la UCI sobre una mejoría en funcionalidad, disminución de debilidad adquirida en la UCI (DA-UCI), incidencia de delirio, días de ventilación mecánica (VM), estadía en la UCI y mortalidad a los 28 días. Diseño Ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado. Ámbito Unidad de paciente crítico. Participantes Incluye adultos mayores a 15 años con VMI mayor a 48h, asignación aleatoria. Intervenciones Protocolo «Start to move» y tratamiento convencional. Variables de interés principales Se analizó funcionalidad, incidencia DA-UCI, incidencia delirio, días VM, estadía UCI y mortalidad-28 días, ClinicalTrials.gov número, NCT05053724. Resultados Sesenta y nueve sujetos fueron ingresados al estudio, 33 al grupo Start to move y 36 a tratamiento convencional, comparables clínico y sociodemograficamente. En el grupo Start to move la incidencia DAUCI al egreso de la UCI fue de 35,7 vs. 80,7% grupo tratamiento convencional (p=0,001). La funcionalidad (FSS-ICU) al egreso de la UCI corresponde a 26 vs. 17 puntos a favor del grupo Start to move (p=0,001). La diferencia en Barthel al egreso de la UCI fue del 20% a favor del grupo Start to move (p=0,006). No hubo diferencias significativas en incidencia de delirio, días de VM, estadía UCI y mortalidad-28 días. El estudio no reportó eventos adversos, ni suspensión de protocolo. Conclusiones La aplicación del protocolo Start to move en la UCI se asoció reducción en la incidencia DA-UCI, aumento en funcionalidad y menor caída en puntaje Barthel al egreso. (AU)

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of the Start to move protocol compared to conventional treatment in subjects over 15 years of age hospitalized in the ICU on an improvement in functionality, decrease in ICU-acquired weakness (IUCD), incidence of delirium, days of mechanical ventilation (MV), length of stay in ICU and mortality at 28 days. Design Randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting Intensive care unit. Participants Includes adults older than 15 years with invasive mechanical ventilation more than 48h, randomized allocation. Interventions Start to move protocol and conventional treatment. Main variables of interest Functionality, incidence of ICU-acquired weakness, incidence of delirium, days on mechanical ventilation, ICU stay and mortality-28 days, ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT05053724. Results Sixty-nine subjects were admitted to the study, 33 to the Start to move group and 36 to conventional treatment, clinically and sociodemographic comparable. In the “Start to move” group, the incidence of IUCD at ICU discharge was 35.7% vs. 80.7% in the “conventional treatment” group (P=.001). Functionality (FSS-ICU) at ICU discharge corresponds to 26 vs. 17 points in favor of the “Start to move” group (P=.001). The difference in Barthel at ICU discharge was 20% in favor of the “Start to move” group (P=.006). There were no significant differences in the incidence of delirium, days of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay and 28-day mortality. The study did not report adverse events or protocol suspension. Conclusions The application of the “Start to move” protocol in ICU showed a reduction in the incidence of IUCD, an increase in functionality and a smaller decrease in Barthel score at discharge. (AU)

Effects of robotic-assisted early mobilization versus conventional mobilization in intensive care unit patients: prospective interventional cohort study with retrospective control group analysis.

BACKGROUND: Approximately one in three survivors of critical illness suffers from intensive-care-unit-acquired weakness, which increases mortality and impairs quality of life. By counteracting immobilization, a known risk factor, active mobilization may mitigate its negative effects on patients. In this single-center trial, the effect of robotic-assisted early mobilization in the intensive care unit (ICU) on patients' outcomes was investigated. METHODS: We enrolled 16 adults scheduled for lung transplantation to receive 20 min of robotic-assisted mobilization and verticalization twice daily during their first week in the ICU (intervention group: IG). A control group (CG) of 13 conventionally mobilized patients after lung transplantation was recruited retrospectively. Outcome measures included the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay, muscle parameters evaluated by ultrasound, and quality of life after three months. RESULTS: During the first week in the ICU, the intervention group received a median of 6 (interquartile range 3-8) robotic-assisted sessions of early mobilization and verticalization. There were no statistically significant differences in the duration of mechanical ventilation (IG: median 126 vs. CG: 78 h), length of ICU stay, muscle parameters evaluated by ultrasound, and quality of life after three months between the IG and CG. CONCLUSION: In this study, robotic-assisted mobilization was successfully implemented in the ICU setting. No significant differences in patients' outcomes were observed between conventional and robotic-assisted mobilization. However, randomized and larger studies are necessary to validate the adequacy of robotic mobilization in other cohorts. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This single-center interventional trial was registered in clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05071248 on 27/08/2021.

The Influence of COVID-19 on Patient Mobilization and Injury Attributes in the ICU: A Retrospective Analysis of a Level II Trauma Center.

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of COVID-19 on physical therapy (PT) mobilization of trauma patients and to determine if mobilization affected patient course in the ICU. This retrospective study included patients who were admitted to the ICU of a level II trauma center. The patients were divided into two groups, i.e., those admitted before (n = 378) and after (n = 499) 1 April 2020 when Georgia's COVID-19 shelter-in-place order was mandated. The two groups were contrasted on nominal and ratio variables using Chi-square and Student's t-tests. A secondary analysis focused specifically on the after-COVID patients examined the extent to which mobilization (n = 328) or lack of mobilization (n = 171) influenced ICU outcomes (e.g., mortality, readmission). The two groups were contrasted on nominal and ratio variables using Chi-square and Student's t-tests. The after-COVID patients had higher injury severity as a greater proportion was classified as severely injured (i.e., >15 on Injury Severity Score) compared to the before-COVID patients. After-COVID patients also had a greater cumulative number of comorbidities and experienced greater complications in the ICU. Despite this, there was no difference between patients in receiving a PT consultation or days to mobilization. Within the after-COVID cohort, those who were mobilized were older, had greater Glasgow Coma Scale scores, had longer total hospital days, and had a lesser mortality rate, and a higher proportion were female. Despite shifting patient injury attributes post-COVID-19, a communicable disease, mobilization care remained consistent and effective.

Fatigue, fear of being mobilized and residual limb pain limit independent basic mobility and physiotherapy for patients early after major dysvascular lower extremity amputation: A prospective cohort study.

AIM: Early mobilization of patients with a major lower extremity amputation (LEA) is often a challenge because of lack of compliance. Therefore, we investigated factors limiting independent mobility and physiotherapy on the first day with physiotherapy (PTDay1) and the following 2 days after LEA. METHODS: A total of 60 consecutive patients, mean age 73.7 years (SD 12.1 years), undergoing LEA were included over a period of 7 months. The Basic Amputee Mobility Score was used to assess basic mobility. Predefined limitations for not achieving independent mobility or not completing physiotherapy were residual limb pain, pain elsewhere, fear of being mobilized, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, acute cognitive dysfunction or "other" factors reported on PTDay1 and the following 2 days after LEA. RESULTS: Fatigue and fear of being mobilized were the most frequent limitations for not achieving independent mobility on PTDay1 and the following 2 days after LEA. Patients (n = 55) who were not independent in the Basic Amputee Mobility Score activity transferring from bed to chair on PTDay1 were limited by fatigue (44%) and fear of being mobilized (33%). A total of 21 patients did not complete planned physiotherapy on PTDay1, and were limited by fatigue (38%), residual limb pain (24%) and "other" factors (24%). CONCLUSION: Fatigue and fear of being mobilized were the most frequent factors that limited independent mobility early after LEA. Fatigue, residual limb pain and "other" factors limited completion of physiotherapy. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 470-476.

Effects of rehabilitation treatments jointly considered by physiatrists and rehabilitation therapists in patients with severe burn injury.

Rehabilitation treatments for patients with severe burn injury (SBI) are difficult owing to the lack of knowledge, skills, and experience among clinicians and physical and occupational therapists, resulting in serious patient disability. This study retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness of rehabilitation treatments jointly considered by physiatrists and rehabilitation therapists (Physiatrist and Registered therapist Operating rehabilitation: PROr) for patients with SBI admitted to our hospital's burn intensive care unit (BICU). Eligible patients were classified into the PROr and standard rehabilitation (SR) groups. Contents of the rehabilitation program in the BICU, the functional ambulation categories (FAC), and the Barthel index at the first rehabilitation, BICU discharge, and hospital discharge were collected. Of the 184 patients with severe burns admitted to the BICU, 29 (PROr group, n = 16; SR group, n = 13) met the eligibility criteria. The PROr group received more types of exercise interventions for a longer time than the SR group. No significant differences in the FAC and Barthel index scores at the first time of rehabilitation were found between the two groups; however, the scores of FAC and Barthel index at BICU and hospital discharges were higher in the PROr group than in the SR group. The PROr program may help in the functional improvement of patients with SBI.

Impact of Early Mobilization on Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Treated With Thrombolysis or Thrombectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Early mobilization (EM) within 24 to 72 hours post-stroke may improve patients' performance and ability. However, after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) or mechanical thrombectomy (MT), the increased risk of hemorrhagic complications impacts the implementation of early out-of-bed mobilization. Few studies have investigated EM after IVT or MT for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), and its impact in these patients is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of EM on AIS treated with IVT or MT.|. METHODS: We recruited 122 patients with first AIS; 60 patients were treated with IVT, and 62 patients were treated with MT. For each IVT and MT cohort, the control groups received standard early rehabilitation, and the intervention groups received an EM protocol. The training lasted 30 minutes/day, 5 days/week until discharge. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: The effectiveness of the interventions was evaluated using the motor domain of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM-motor) and the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS) at baseline, 2-week, 4-week, and 3-month post-stroke, the Functional Ambulation Category 2-week post-stroke, and the total length of stay at the stroke center. RESULTS: Both IVT and MT treatment groups showed improved FIM-motor and PASS scores over time; however, only the IVT EM group had significantly improved FIM-motor performance within 1 month after stroke than the control group. Conclusion. An EM protocol with the same intervention time and session frequency per day as in the standard care protocol was effective in improving the functional ability of stroke patients after IVT.

Physical and respiratory therapy in the critically ill patient with obesity: a narrative review.

Obesity has become increasingly prevalent in the intensive care unit, presenting a significant challenge for healthcare systems and professionals, including rehabilitation teams. Caring for critically ill patients with obesity involves addressing complex issues. Despite the well-established and safe practice of early mobilization during critical illness, in rehabilitation matters, the diverse clinical disturbances and scenarios within the obese patient population necessitate a comprehensive understanding. This includes recognizing the importance of metabolic support, both non-invasive and invasive ventilatory support, and their weaning processes as essential prerequisites. Physiotherapists, working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, play a crucial role in ensuring proper assessment and functional rehabilitation in the critical care setting. This review aims to provide critical insights into the key management and rehabilitation principles for obese patients in the intensive care unit.