Walking ventilated critical care patients, also known as early mobility, is a crucial intervention that offers numerous benefits for both short- and long-term recovery. Prolonged bed rest in the ICU can lead to muscle atrophy, including respiratory and skeletal muscles, as well as complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and ICU-acquired weakness. Early ambulation helps maintain muscle strength, improve circulation, enhance lung function, and reduce the risk of these complications. It also promotes better oxygenation, reduces the likelihood of lung collapse (atelectasis), and supports cardiovascular health.
Beyond physical benefits, walking ventilated patients improves mental well-being by reducing the risk of delirium, anxiety, and depression, fostering a sense of engagement and independence. Studies show that mobilizing ventilated patients can shorten ICU and hospital stays, accelerate recovery, and reduce the long-term effects of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), which impacts physical, cognitive, and emotional health. With proper precautions and a multidisciplinary team to ensure safety, early mobility is an essential practice that significantly improves patient outcomes and quality of life.