Early mobilization: Why, what for and how?

Early mobilization strategies in the intensive care unit may result in the prevention Intensive care unit; and reduction of polyneuromyopathy in the critical patient, improved quality of life, shortened Physical therapy; ICU and hospital stay, and lesser mortality during hospitalization. However, it is well known Early mobilization that factors such as the protocol used, the population included in the studies, the timing of the strategy, the severity of the patients and different barriers directly influence the outcomes. This study examines the main protocols described in the literature and their associated results. The main techniques used were kinesitherapy, transfer and locomotion training, as well as neuromuscular electrical stimulation and cycle ergometry. Although two trials and a meta analysis found no positive results with mobilization, programs that focus on specific populations, such as patients with weakness due to immobility and with preserved neuromuscular excitability can derive more positive effects from such treatment. (C)2016 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. y SEMICYUC. All rights reserved.