REVIEW
Physiotherapy in the intensive care unit
 
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1
Physiotherapist, University General Hospital of Evrou
 
2
Physiotherapist, General Hospital of Evagelismos, BSc of Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, MSc, PhD, Lecturer of Department of Physiotherapy, Athens, Direction Moderator of the Section of the Physiotherapy in ICU of the Scientific Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiotherapy – Rehabilitation of the Panhellenic Physiotherapists' Association
 
3
Physiotherapist, MSc, General Hospital of Evagelismos, Lecturer of Department of Physiotherapy, Athens, Greece
 
4
Physiotherapist, MSc, University General Hospital of Attikon, Lecturer of Department of Physiotherapy, Athens, Greece
 
 
Pneumon 2015;28(4):350
 
The authors are members of the Section of the Physiotherapy in ICU of the Scientific Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiotherapy – Rehabilitation of the Panhellenic Physiotherapists' Association

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ABSTRACT
The purpose of the present review is to describe the physiotherapy treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Physiotherapy is a part of the multidisciplinary management in ICU. Physiotherapists perform an assessment which includes the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal systems to formulate treatment plans. Primary focus of treatment has been the respiratory and musculoskeletal management of both intubated and spontaneously breathing patients. Particularly, the goals of respiratory and musculoskeletal physiotherapy management are: (a) to promote secretion clearance, (b) to maintain or recruit lung volume, (c) to optimize oxygenation, (d) to prevent respiratory complications, (e) to maintain joint and muscle function, (f) to promote early mobilization, (g) to prevent and reduce muscle atrophy and weakness, and (h) to reduce patient deconditioning and related problems (i.e., impaired functional exercise capacity, physical inactivity). A variety of modalities for respiratory and early mobility is evidence-based and must be implemented depending on the pathology of the critically ill patient and co-morbid conditions.
eISSN:1791-4914
ISSN:1105-848X
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