Early rehabilitation in ICU is possible

Abstract

Rehabilitation in the intensive care unit includes all the techniques aiming to prevent deleterious the effects of prolonged immobilisation. Different methods are presented in this review: active and passive mobilisation of upper and lower limbs, active bed excercices with or without a caregiver such as cycling, standing-up, bed to chair transfer with periods of 20-minute sitting in the chair per day, walking with or without help while the patient is still mechanically ventilated. Early mobilisation is very important and should be started while the patients is still mechanically ventilated. The aim of this article is to show that such a strategy is feasible and beneficial for the patient.