Efficacy of Early Mobilization in Intensive Care Patients: a systematic review with meta-analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v27i7.1232Keywords:
Mechanical Ventilation; Muscle Weakness; Critical Illness; Mortality; Rehabilitation.Abstract
Introduction: Intensive care unit-acquired muscle weakness is associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation, longer hospital stays, and poorer functional recovery. Early mobilization has been employed to minimize these effects, yet its benefits remain controversial. Objective: To describe the effects of early mobilization on key clinical outcomes in adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted using relevant databases. Of the 23 studies identified between 2021 and 2026, 20 were excluded following the selection process. Three randomized clinical trials were included, totaling 1,625 adult patients admitted to intensive care units. Results: Early mobilization promoted significant improvement in functional mobility compared to usual care. A reduction in the duration of mechanical ventilation was observed in one study, along with functional improvement; however, there was no consistent benefit regarding mortality, with results remaining heterogeneous across studies. Conclusion: Early mobilization may improve functionality and reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients, although its impact on mortality remains inconclusive. Further clinical trials are needed to define the most effective protocols.
References
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Moreira RCM, Tonella RM, Tallarico LMS, Camargo TM, Mendes LPS, Barbosa MH, et al. The impact of an early, viable, and low-cost mobilization protocol in critically ill patients: comparison with conventional physical therapy. Fisioter Pesqui. 2025;32:e24006024en. doi: 10.1590/1809-2950/e24006024en
Serpa Neto A, Bailey M, Seller D, Agli A, Bellomo R, Brickell K, et al. Impact of mobilization dose on outcome of critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation: a target trial emulation using data from the TEAM trial. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2026;212(3):500-10.doi: 10.1093/ajrccm/aamaf109
Wang L, Hua Y, Wang L, Zou X, Zhang Y, Ou X. The effects of early mobilization in mechanically ventilated adult ICU patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Med (Lausanne). 2023;10:1202754. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1202754
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Copyright (c) 2026 Felipe Rocha Matos, Felipe Sampaio Lopes, Isaias Vieira Braga, Júlia Meschessi Vidigal Gouveia Teixeira, Leonardo Lanes Leite Silvestre (Autor)
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