title: ICU-based rehabilitation and its appropriate metrics.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Survival of critically ill patients is frequently associated with significant functional impairment and reduced health-related quality of life. Early rehabilitation of ICU patients has recently been identified as an important focus for interdisciplinary ICU teams. However, the amount of rehabilitation performed in ICUs is often inadequate. The scope of the review is to discuss recent developments in application of assessment tools and rehabilitation in critically ill patients within an interdisciplinary approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  ICU-based rehabilitation has become an important evidence-based component in the management of patients with critical illness. The assessment and evidence-based treatment of these patients should include a focus on prevention and treatment of deconditioning (muscle weakness, joint stiffness, impaired functional performance) and weaning failure (respiratory muscle weakness) to identify targets for rehabilitation. A variety of modalities for assessment and early ICU rehabilitation are supported by emerging clinical research and must be implemented according to the stage of critical illness, comorbidities, and consciousness and cooperation of the patient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Daily evaluation of every critically ill patient should include evaluation of the need for bedrest and immobility, and assessment of the potential for early rehabilitation interventions. Early ICU rehabilitation is an interdisciplinary team responsibility, involving physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses and medical staff.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. rik.gosselink@faber.kuleuven.be
authors.forename: Rik
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gosselink
authors.forename: Dale
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Needham
authors.forename: Greet
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hermans
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000534:rehabilitation; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005121:Extremities; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D053580:Muscle Strength; D010348:Patient Care Team; D016896:Treatment Outcome