THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL REHABILITATION ON REDUCING LENGTH OF HOSPITAL STAY AND MORTALITY IN THE ICU: LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the effects of physical rehabilitation through early mobilization in patients admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs), with an emphasis on reducing hospital length of stay and hospital mortality. This is a literature review based on national and international scientific publications. The search was conducted in the SciELO, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases, using the descriptors “early mobilization,” “Intensive Care Unit,” “physical rehabilitation,” “length of hospital stay,” and “hospital mortality.” A total of three studies published between 2015 and 2025, within a 10-year timeframe, met the previously established eligibility criteria and were included. The results showed that the implementation of early mobilization in critically ill ICU patients is associated with a significant reduction in length of stay, improved muscle function, and decreased mortality rates. Furthermore, the practice proved to be safe and feasible, even in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation, provided it is performed with individualized planning and multidisciplinary follow-up. It is concluded that early mobilization is an effective strategy for physical rehabilitation in the intensive care setting, promoting important clinical benefits and contributing to better outcomes for critically ill patients.