Physical Rehabilitation in the ICU and Hospital

doi:10.1017/9781009501477.013

Chapter 12 - Physical Rehabilitation in the ICU and Hospital

from Section 3 - Strategies to Prevent PICS

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 January 2026

Felipe González-Seguel ,

Selina M. Parry and

Edited by

Brad W. Butcher: Affiliation:
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania

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Summary

This chapter provides insights on physical rehabilitation in the intensive care unit (ICU) and on the general wards, covering the current evidence based on landmark randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews of the field. Progressive mobilization and the use of assistive technology devices provide opportunities for physical rehabilitation in the ICU and across the hospitalization, including strategies such as stepwise mobility, active exercises, passive mobilization, cycling, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Physical rehabilitation of patients in the ICU comes with inherent risks, and the identification of safety criteria is critical to mitigate the occurrence of adverse events related to mobilization. The use of physical functioning instruments as a component of rehabilitation is important to screen patients at risk of poor physical outcomes, monitor rehabilitation efficacy, and predict recovery trajectories.

Keywords

Physical rehabilitation Early mobilization Safety criteria

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: Post-Intensive Care Syndrome
A Practical Approach
, pp. 150 - 165

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009501477.013 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2026

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