| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2012 | Volume
: 1
| Issue : 3 | Page : 172-177 |
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Effect of graded early mobilization versus routine physiotherapy on the length of intensive care unit stay in mechanically ventilated patients: A randomized controlled study
Priyakshi Bezbaruah, Narasimman Swaminathan, Cherishma D'silva, Shabari Kidyoor
Department of Physiotherapy, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Correspondence Address:
Narasimman Swaminathan
Department of Physiotherapy, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka
India
 Source of Support: Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/2278-344X.105081
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Background: Early mobilization is an important component of physiotherapy used to prevent and decrease pulmonary and immobilization complications, which are the major goals of physiotherapy in the intensive care unit (ICU). Prolonged bed rest and hospitalization leads to deconditioning and weakness which can further increase the length of the ICU stay. This study was conducted to find an answer to whether early mobilization is as effective as or better than routine physiotherapy in reducing the length of ICU stay in mechanically ventilated patients. Study Design: Randomized controlled study. Study Setting: Medical ICU, Father Muller Medical College Hospital. Mangalore, Karnataka, India. Aim: To detect the effectiveness of graded early mobilization and routine physiotherapy and to compare these techniques with respect to the length of ICU stay in mechanically ventilated patients. Materials and Methods: Fifteen subjects of both gender who were on mechanical ventilators fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to two groups, group 1 (graded early mobilization, n = 8) and Group 2 (routine physiotherapy, n = 7) by using the randomization plan from the website www.randomization.com. All the vitals of the subjects were noted as they were made to perform particular maneuvers depending on the group they belonged to. Participants recruited into the early mobilization group were mobilized as soon as their vitals were stable and were able to participate in the therapy. The patients who underwent routine physiotherapy were mobilized once they were extubated. At the time of discharge from the ICU, days of weaning, days first out of bed, and length of ICU stay were noted. Results: A significant difference was observed between early mobilization and routine physiotherapy groups with respect to the length of ICU stay. Conclusion: Early mobilization showed better outcome compared to routine physiotherapy in reducing the length of ICU stay in mechanically ventilated patients. The results of this study cannot be generalized due to the small number of subjects. |
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