Early Mobilization in the ICU

Abstract

ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) impacts up to 40% of patients admitted to the ICU and can have long-lasting effects on those who survive an ICU stay. In the last decade, early mobilization (EM) has emerged as an intervention to help prevent or to mitigate ICU-AW, or both, and to improve functional outcomes for patients. Despite its feasibility, safety, and potential benefits, a large gap in implementation of EM in ICUs globally remains. The purpose of this article is to review ICU-AW, to discuss the evidence base and current guidelines about EM, and to offer a practical approach for EM implementation with an emphasis on patient safety and common barriers.