Early Mobilization in Critically ill Adult Patients and Its Impact on Mechanical Ventilation Duration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v27i7.1262Keywords:
Early Ambulation; Critical Care; Respiration; Rehabilitation; Intensive Care Units.Abstract
Introduction: Invasive mechanical ventilation is widely used in critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units, but it is associated with significant complications, including infections, intensive care unit acquired muscle weakness, and ventilator-associated injuries. In this context, early mobilization has been proposed as a strategy to reduce the duration of ventilatory dependence and improve clinical outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the impact of early mobilization on the duration of mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care units. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The research question was structured using the PICO model. Searches were conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), LILACS (Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde) e SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) databases, covering the period from the databases’ inception through May 13, 2026. Randomized clinical trials comparing early mobilization protocols with usual care in adult patients on invasive mechanical ventilation were included. Results: Three trials met the eligibility criteria, involving a total of 867 patients. The pooled analysis showed no significant differences between groups in terms of duration of mechanical ventilation or mortality. However, secondary analyses of the included studies suggested possible benefits in specific subgroups of patients, in terms of preserving functional capacity and reducing the physical decline associated with prolonged hospitalization. Conclusion: Early mobilization was not associated with a reduction in mortality or duration of mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients. However, the intervention proved to be safe and potentially beneficial for certain clinical profiles. Further clinical trials are needed to clarify the actual benefits of early mobilization.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Letícia Alves Azevedo, Ana Lídia Souza Calafiori, Leonardo Seiji Katayama Itaya, Milene Alves dos Santos, Letícia Souza Silva Galdino (Autor)
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