Intensive care unit acquired weakness and physical rehabilitation in the ICU

Authors

Stephanie L. Hiser, Department of Health, Human Function, and Rehabilitation Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA stephanie.hiser@gwu.edu.
Kelly Casey, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Peter Nydahl, Department for Nursing Research and Development, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany.
Carol L. Hodgson, Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
Dale M. Needham, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine; and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-27-2025

Journal

BMJ (Clinical research ed.)

Volume

388

DOI

10.1136/bmj-2023-077292

Abstract

Approximately half of critically ill adults experience intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICUAW). Patients who develop ICUAW may have negative outcomes, including longer duration of mechanical ventilation, greater length of stay, and worse mobility, physical functioning, quality of life, and mortality. Early physical rehabilitation interventions have potential for improving ICUAW; however, randomized trials show inconsistent findings on the efficacy of these interventions. This review summarizes the latest evidence on the definition, diagnosis, epidemiology, pathophysiology, risks factors, implications, and management of ICUAW. It specifically highlights research gaps and challenges, with considerations for future research for physical rehabilitation interventions.

APA Citation

Hiser, Stephanie L.; Casey, Kelly; Nydahl, Peter; Hodgson, Carol L.; and Needham, Dale M., "Intensive care unit acquired weakness and physical rehabilitation in the ICU" (2025). GW Authored Works. Paper 6315.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/6315

Department

Health, Human Function, and Rehabilitation Sciences