Impact of mobilisation therapy on the haemodynamic and respiratory status of elderly intubated patients in an intensive care unit: A retrospective analysis

SummaryObjectivesThis study identified respiratory and haemodynamic parameters affected by limited mobilisation therapy in elderly, critically ill, intubated patients in an intensive care unit.MethodsOver 18 months, we retrospectively assessed physiological changes during 43 mobilisation therapy sessions in 23 patients requiring mechanical ventilation for >48 h. We compared heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, respiratory rate, partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood/inspired fraction of oxygen and lactate before and after mobilisation therapy, which entailed sitting on the edge of a hospital bed without back support. We analysed baseline characteristics and therapy duration.ResultsPatients’ median age was 75 (interquartile range: 65–79) years, and the median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 27 (26–31). Average therapy duration was 1 h (0.5–2 h). Therapy did not significantly modify heart rate or arterial blood pressure but increased the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood/inspired fraction of oxygen ratio significantly, from 218.8 (135.4–271.7) to 237.3 (167.2–284.9; p = 0.007), indicating improved lung function.ConclusionIn this retrospective review, mobilisation therapy had no adverse effect on elderly, critically ill, intubated patients’ haemodynamic status and appeared to improve the PaO2/FIO2 ratio; further research is required to confirm this finding.