Research

Adherence

Early rehabilitation interventions, including assistive technologies like cycle ergometry and electrical stimulation, are safe and feasible in the ICU and can improve functional outcomes, although optimal timing and dosage remain to be fully elucidated.

Early rehabilitation in the ICU, including assisted cycling and electrical stimulation, is safe and can improve outcomes. It should be started as early as possible, ideally within 48 hours, and integrated with sedation minimization strategies.

ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
Although the evidence demonstrating early rehabilitation is safe and feasible [116, 117], and the development of clinical consensus guidelines for undertaking in-bed and out of bed active mobilization [118], activity levels continue to remain low.
Selina M. Parry et al. · Extreme Physiology & Medicine · 2015

Why this rating

Evidence is mixed regarding functional outcomes (some studies show no difference in 6-min walk distance at 12 months), but safety and feasibility are established.

Source

The impact of extended bed rest on the musculoskeletal system in the critical care environment

Selina M. Parry et al. · Extreme Physiology & Medicine · 2015

DOI 10.1186/s13728-015-0036-7

narrative_reviewCited 364×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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