On “Physical therapist–established intensive care unit early mobilization program…” Engel HJ, Tatebe S, Alonzo PB, et al. Phys Ther. 2013;93:975–985.

Abstract

Engel et al1 present an excellent overview of their physical therapist–established intensive care unit (ICU) early mobilization program. Through the selection of appropriate outcome measures, the reader is able to assess the impact of early rehabilitation on both patient outcomes (functional capacity, mobility status) and health care resource utilization (ICU and hospital length of stay, discharge disposition). The study's positive findings also were achieved without any recorded serious adverse events, providing further evidence that rehabilitation can be safely initiated in patients who are critically ill. As …