Revisiting Rest: Evidence-Based Shifts in Adult Intensive Care Unit Early Mobility

Heather Dunn; Danielle Lavrenz; Shaimaa Yousef; Anna Krupp

doi:10.1016/j.cnc.2026.07.006

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Revisiting Rest: Evidence-Based Shifts in Adult Intensive Care Unit Early Mobility

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Revisiting Rest: Evidence-Based Shifts in Adult Intensive Care Unit Early Mobility

Heather Dunn, Danielle Lavrenz, Shaimaa Yousef and Anna Krupp

Critical care nursing clinics of North America

08/20/2026

DOI: 10.1016/j.cnc.2026.07.006

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Abstract

Improvements in intensive care unit (ICU) survival have highlighted the long-term burdens faced by survivors, including physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments. Immobility is a key contributor to these outcomes. Over the past 2 decades, ICU practices have shifted from deep sedation and bedrest toward early mobility and patient engagement. ICU early mobility (EM) is an evidence-based intervention that is safe and feasible. However, implementation remains inconsistent. This article explores the historical context of ICU bedrest, reviews current evidence supporting ICU EM, and offers strategies for its adoption.

Critical Care

Early ambulation

Evidence-based practice

ICU early mobility

ICU rehabilitation

Intensive care units

Details

Title: Subtitle: Revisiting Rest: Evidence-Based Shifts in Adult Intensive Care Unit Early Mobility
Creators: Heather Dunn - University of Iowa
Danielle Lavrenz - University of Iowa Health Care
Shaimaa Yousef - University of Iowa
Anna Krupp - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Critical care nursing clinics of North America
DOI: 10.1016/j.cnc.2026.07.006
ISSN: 0899-5885
Publisher: Elsevier Inc
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 08/20/2026
Academic Unit: Nursing
Record Identifier: 9985220844002771

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