Influence of early mobilization on respiratory and peripheral muscle strength in critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of an early mobilization protocol on respiratory and peripheral muscles in critically ill patients. METHODS A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with 59 male and female patients on mechanical ventilation. The patients were divided into a conventional physical therapy group (control group, n=14) that received the sector's standard physical therapy program and an early mobilization group (n=14) that received a systematic early mobilization protocol. Peripheral muscle strength was assessed with the Medical Research Council score, and respiratory muscle strength (determined by the maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures) was measured using a vacuum manometer with a unidirectional valve. Systematic early mobilization was performed on five levels. RESULTS Significant increases were observed for values for maximal inspiratory pressure and the Medical Research Council score in the early mobilization group. However, no statistically significant improvement was observed for maximal expiratory pressure or MV duration (days), length of stay in the intensive care unit (days), and length of hospital stay (days). CONCLUSION The early mobilization group showed gains in inspiratory and peripheral muscle strength.