Objective: To evaluate the short-term effect of mobilization in mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Materials and Methods: A prospective non-randomized controlled study was carried out in the medical intensive care unit of Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand. The intervention group received once daily mobilization therapy, whereas the usual care group received usual standard care. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who could get out of bed (OOB) at day 6 or at ICU discharge date. The secondary outcomes were health related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), functional status score for the ICU (FSS-ICU), muscle strength, mechanical ventilator (MV) days, ICU length of stay (LOS), and hospital LOS.

Results: There were 19 and 10 patients in the intervention and the usual care groups, respectively. The proportion of patients who could get OOB was significantly higher in the intervention group (78.9% versus 30.0%, p=0.017). Significant improvements were also demonstrated in the EQ-5D-5L and the FSS-ICU scores in favor of the intervention group.

Conclusion: Early mobilization helps the mechanically ventilated patients to retain mobility and improves their functional ability. The present study recognizes the importance of mobilization in critically ill patients.

Keywords: Mechanical ventilation, Mobilization, Intensive care unit, Physical therapy, Functional status