Effects of early physical therapy in ICU patients: prevention of complications and optimization of hospital discharge: A literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v26i6.1122Keywords:
Intensive Care Units; Physical Therapy Modalities; Physical Therapy Services.Abstract
Introduction: Early physical therapy in intensive care unit (ICU) patients plays a key role in preventing complications and improving both clinical and functional outcomes. Prolonged immobilization and mechanical ventilation are major contributors to ICU-acquired weakness and extended hospital stays, requiring an interdisciplinary approach involving physiotherapists, physicians, and the broader healthcare team. Objective: To analyze the effects of early physical therapy in critically ill ICU patients, focusing on the prevention of complications and the optimization of hospital discharge, while emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in intensive care and functional rehabilitation. Methods: A descriptive and analytical literature review was conducted based on national and international publications retrieved from the Virtual Health Library (BVS), Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS), PubMed, and Scopus databases. Eleven studies published between 2015 and 2024 were included, selected for their relevance to early physical therapy, intensive rehabilitation, and functional recovery in critically ill patients. Results: Evidence indicates that initiating physiotherapy within the first 48 hours of ICU admission reduces the duration of mechanical ventilation, prevents muscle weakness, decreases respiratory and musculoskeletal complications, and shortens hospital stays. Integrated interventions combining progressive mobilization, respiratory exercises, and continuous medical monitoring proved safe and effective. Furthermore, multidisciplinary collaboration and continuity of care after discharge were crucial for maintaining functional gains and preventing relapse. Conclusion: Early physical therapy, integrated with medical and multidisciplinary care, is essential for managing critically ill patients by promoting functional recovery, reducing complications, and optimizing hospital discharge. Individualized, evidence-based protocols strengthen the interdisciplinary care model, establishing physiotherapy as a central component in intensive rehabilitation and post-ICU quality of life improvement.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Maria Luíza de Sales Endringer, Isadora Severiano de Souza, Luma Candian Gundling , Anna Beatriz de Carvalho Manzoli , Wilson Sant Anna Lopes Neto , Verônica Góbi Bernabé , Jean Moschem, Erika Mendes Cypriano (Autor)
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