Calvo-Ayala, EnriqueKhan, Babar A.Farber, Mark O.Ely, E. WesleyBoustani, Malaz A.2015-09-152015-09-152013-11Calvo-Ayala, E., Khan, B. A., Farber, M. O., Ely, E. W., & Boustani, M. A. (2013). Interventions to Improve the Physical Function of ICU Survivors: A Systematic Review. Chest, 144(5), 1469–1480. http://doi.org/10.1378/chest.13-0779https://hdl.handle.net/1805/6942BACKGROUND: ICU admissions are ever increasing across the United States. Following critical illness, physical functioning (PF) may be impaired for up to 5 years. We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of interventions targeting PF among ICU survivors. The objective of this study was to identify effective interventions that improve long-term PF in ICU survivors. METHODS: MEDLINE, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Physiotherapy Evidence-Based Database (PEDro) were searched between 1990 and 2012. Two reviewers independently evaluated studies for eligibility, critically appraised the included studies, and extracted data into standardized evidence tables. RESULTS: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Interventions included exercise/physical therapy (PT), parenteral nutrition, nurse-led follow-up, spontaneous awakening trials, absence of sedation during mechanical ventilation, and early tracheotomy. Nine studies failed to demonstrate efficacy on PF of the ICU survivors. However, early physical exercise and PT-based interventions had a positive effect on long-term PF. CONCLUSIONS: The only effective intervention to improve long-term PF in critically ill patients is exercise/PT; its benefit may be greater if started earlier. Further research in this area comparing different interventions and timing is needed.en-USPublisher PolicyCritical Illness -- therapyExercise Therapy -- methodsHumansIntensive Care UnitsQuality of LifeArticle