A First View of the Effect of a Trial of Early Mobilization on the Muscle Strength and Activities of Daily Living in Mechanically Ventilated Patients With COVID-19

Abstract

ObjectiveTo retrospectively investigate the effect of early mobilization on the muscle strength and activities of daily living in patients with COVID-19 under mechanical ventilation. DesignThis was a single-center, retrospective, observational study. SettingInpatient rehabilitation care in Japan. ParticipantsThe study subjects were divided based on the onset of mobilization: under mechanical ventilation (n=17; aged 68.5±11.9, 13 male) and after extubation (n=11; aged 59.7±7.1, 6 male; N=28). InterventionsMobilization, including dangle sitting, standing, walking, and muscle strengthening exercises. Main Outcome MeasuresThe outcome measures were Barthel Index, Medical Research Council Manual Muscle Test, and intensive care unit Mobility Scale. ResultsThe difference in the Barthel Index, Medical Research Council Manual Muscle Test, and intensive care unit Mobility Scale scores pre- and postintervention were not statistically significant between the 2 groups, but all significantly improved after the intervention. ConclusionThis small sample size study found no difference in the functional recovery of patients with severe COVID-19 who underwent early mobilization under mechanical ventilation relative to when it was begun after extubation.