title: Effects of motor physical therapy in critically ill patients: literature review.
abstract: The development of critical patient-related generalized weakness is a common complication in patients admitted to an intensive care unit. The reduced muscle strength increases the time for weaning, hospitalization, the risk of infections and consequent mortality. Physiotherapy is used in these patients as a resource for the prevention of muscle weakness, atrophy and functional capacity recovery. The aim of this study was to review the literature regarding the use of exercise alone in intensive care units staying patients. Literature searches were performed using the electronic databases Medline, LILACS, CINAHL, Cochrane, High Wire Press and SciELO, from January 1998 to July 2009 and book chapters, using keywords including "critical illness", "cinesiotherapy", "physical therapy", "physiotherapy", "exercises", "training", "force", "active mobilization", "mobilization", "ICU", "rehabilitation", "mobility", "muscle strength" and "weakness". Despite the lack of studies and methodological diversity of studies found, confirming the use of exercise alone as a therapeutic resource, its use, including early seems an alternative to prevent and reverse muscle weakness intensive care unit ICU-acquired.
authors.affiliation: Instituto Estadual de Cardiologia Aloysio de Castro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
authors.forename: Ana Paula Pereira da
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
authors.forename: Kenia
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Maynard
authors.affiliation: Doenças Infecciosas, Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
authors.forename: Mônica Rodrigues da
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Cruz