Abstract
It is well established that weakness and debility are common sequelae of critical illness and that participation in physical therapy programs, and in particular early mobilization in the intensive care unit (ICU), can help mitigate these effects and lead to improved outcomes. The safety and feasibility of mobilizing patients during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are important considerations. Multiple studies have demonstrated that patients may be safely mobilized when appropriate screening criteria and safety protocols are in place and experienced personnel are available. In the bridge to lung transplant population, mobilization is important to maintain physical fitness in order to preserve transplant eligibility, and may improve transplant outcomes. Patients receiving ECMO as a bridge to recovery from an acute illness may also safely undergo early mobilization. Specific factors have been identified that predict the ability of patients receiving ECMO to participate in active physical therapy.
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Melville, K.E., Brodie, D., Abrams, D. (2023). Early Mobilization in Patients Receiving ECMO for Respiratory Failure. In: Vincent, JL. (eds) Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine 2023. Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-23005-9_19
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-23005-9_19
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