Early rehabilitation in the critically ill patient: a case report

Objective: To describe the effects of an early mobilization program in a critically ill patient with acquired muscle weakness in the intensive care unit (AMWICU). Methods: Case report of a 65-year-old male diagnosed with pneumoperitoneum, septic shock, and multiple organ dysfunction. The patient underwent an early mobilization program between 13th and 30th of June 2022, based on expert consensus on safety criteria for mobilization in critically ill patients. The intervention was delivered by a rehabilitation nursing team. Results: The early mobilization program contributed to improvements in muscle strength, body mobility, and functional independence in the critically ill patient. Conclusions: Although there is no consensus on the ideal type, timing, or intensity of early mobilization in critically ill patients, this case study suggests that individualized early mobilization may promote functional recovery and should be considered in intensive care settings.