Abstract
Patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) are at an increased risk of developing immobility related complications. Physiotherapists are challenged to employ preventive and rehabilitative strategies to combat these effects. Passive limb range of motion (PROM) exercises- a part of early mobilization-aid in maintaining joint range of motion and functional muscle strength and forms a part of treatment for patients in ICU. However, there is a lack of evidence on practice of PROM exercises on patients admitted to ICU in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aimed at exploring practices regarding the same in UAE. This survey, conducted from January 2021 to February 2021 in College of Physiotherapy, Sharjah University studied practice of physiotherapists in the intensive care units. Physiotherapists currently working in ICU completed an online questionnaire composed of forty-two questions about physiotherapy service provision, assessment and intervention in the intensive care units. 33 physiotherapists completed the survey. 66.6% of respondents routinely assessed PROM for all the patients in ICU referred for physiotherapy. 84.8% of them assessed all the joints. More than half of the respondents (57.8%) reported that they administered PROM regularly to all the patients. According to 63.6% respondents, maintaining joint range of motion was the main reason for performing PROM. Responses pertaining to sets and repetitions of PROM were variable ranging from 1-6 sets and from 3 to 30 repetitions. Personal experience, resources/financial consideration and research findings were found to have influence on the practice. PROM was found to be one of the frequently used mobilization techniques administered by physiotherapists in the intensive care units and was mostly performed after assessment. Maintaining joint range of motion was the main aim for performing PROM. Variability was found in the sets and repetitions of PROM administered. Various factors influenced the practice of PROM.
Highlights
Patients with a life-threatening disease or trauma are admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with different stay durations from hours to months depending on the pathophysiology of the condition and the responsiveness to the given treatment [1,2]
Passive limb range of motion (PROM) was found to be one of the frequently used mobilization techniques administered by physiotherapists in the intensive care units and was mostly performed after assessment
Maintaining joint range of motion was the main aim for performing PROM
Summary
Patients with a life-threatening disease or trauma are admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with different stay durations from hours to months depending on the pathophysiology of the condition and the responsiveness to the given treatment [1,2]. They are usually confined to bed, which could have a negative impact on their mobility [3]. Critical illness survivors usually experience residual problems such as decreased physical function and mobility [7] These sequelae have a great influence on the patients’ overall functional activity and health-related quality of life [8]. This study aimed at exploring practices regarding the same in UAE
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
