Why It Matters
The case for early rehabilitation in the ICU — the consequences of inaction, the evidence for therapy, and why your presence on the team makes a difference.
Consequences of prolonged immobility
What happens to patients who aren’t mobilized early — muscle atrophy, deconditioning, delirium, and downstream functional impact.
Benefits of therapy
The evidence for what early OT, PT, and SLP intervention actually changes — shorter stays, better function, reduced delirium.
Evidence to support early rehabilitation
A synthesis of the research base behind early mobility and rehabilitation in the ICU.