Early Physical Exercise and Walking in ICU: Accept the Challenge!

Perme C.¹, Jones A.², van der Schaaf M ³

¹The Methodist Hospital, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Department, Houston, TX, United States of America,  ²The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong - Kong, China, ³ Department of Rehabilitation, Academical Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Learning objectives:

1. Understand evidence-based literature available related to early rehabilitation of patients in the ICU 2. Understand the importance of therapeutic exercises in the management of patients in ICU 3. Identify patients who would benefit from an early physical exercise and walking program in the ICU.

Description:

Physical therapists working with patients in Intensive Care Unit face a complex challenge. These patients have limited mobility due to life support, monitoring equipment, multiple medical problems and muscle weakness. For selected patients in ICU, early physical exercise and walking enhances functional outcomes by optimizing cardiopulmonary and neuromuscular status. Early mobility can lead to an increase in the patient's quality of life and higher functional capability. It can also potentially reduce length of hospital stay with overall reduced costs. The content of this symposia will demonstrate how early physical exercise, mobility and a walking program can positively impact the recovery of selected patients in the ICU .

Implications / Conclusions:

The content of this symposia will guide physical therapists through the process of managing adult ICU patients with primary focus of improving functional outcomes.

Discussion:

Maria Feltrim (Brazil) will join the panel discussion.

Keywords:

Intensive care unit; Weakness; Early mobility

Funding acknowledgements:

None

Relevance to WCPT and expected audience:

Over the past decade advancements in medical and surgical management of critically ill patients has significantly improved outcomes and survival rates. Evidence shows that weakness and altered physical functioning can persist for months to years after hospital discharge. The information presented in these symposia will provide physical therapists practicing in ICU with the latest best-evidence approach for physical exercise and early mobility for the patient with critical illness.

Target audience:

Physical therapists practicing in intensive care units and acute care hospitals.

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