Search

How effective and safe is telerehabilitation for people with COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 conditions?Systematic review of randomised trials.People with COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 conditions.Any type of telerehabilitation.Satisfaction, quality of life, adverse events, adherence to telerehabilitation, dyspnoea, functional performance, readmissions, mortality, pulmonary function and level of independence.Database searches retrieved 2,962 records, of which six trials with 323 participants were included in the review. Breathing exercises delivered via telerehabilitation improved 6-minute walk distance (MD 101 m, 95% CI 61 to 141; two studies), 30-second sit-to-stand test performance (MD 2.2 repetitions, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.8; two studies), Multidimensional Dyspnoea-12 questionnaire scores (MD -6, 95% CI -7 to -5; two studies) and perceived effort on the 0-to-10 Borg scale (MD -2.8, 95% CI -3.3 to -2.3; two studies), with low certainty of evidence. Exercise delivered via telerehabilitation improved 6-minute walk distance (MD 62 m, 95% CI 42 to 82, four studies), 30-second sit-to-stand test performance (MD 2.0 repetitions, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.7; two studies) and Multidimensional Dyspnoea-12 scores (MD -1.8, 95% CI -2.5 to -1.1; one study), with low certainty of evidence. Adverse events were almost all mild or moderate and occurred with similar frequency in the telerehabilitation group (median 0 per participant, IQR 0 to 2.75) as in the control group (median 0 per participant, IQR 0 to 2); Hodges-Lehmann median difference 0 (95% CI 0 to 0), with low certainty of evidence.Telerehabilitation may improve functional capacity, dyspnoea, performance and physical components of quality of life and does not substantially increase adverse events.PROSPERO CRD42021271049.

IntroductionOxygen is the most common drug used in critical care patients to correct episodes of hypoxaemia. The adoption of new technologies in clinical practice, such as closed-loop systems for an automatic oxygen titration, may improve outcomes and reduce the healthcare professionals’ workload at the bedside; however, certainty of the evidence regarding the safety and benefits still remains low. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness, efficacy and safety of the closed-loop oxygen control for patients with hypoxaemia during the hospitalisation period by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods and analysisMEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, LILACS, CINAHL and LOVE evidence databases will be searched. Randomised controlled trials and cross-over studies investigating the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator and Outcome) framework will be included. The primary outcomes will be the time in the peripheral oxygen saturation target. Secondary outcomes will include time for oxygen weaning time; length of stay; costs; adverse events; mortality; healthcare professionals’ workload, and percentage of time with hypoxia and hyperoxia. Two reviewers will independently screen and extract data and perform quality assessment of included studies. The Cochrane risk of bias tool will be used to assess risk of bias. The RevMan V.5.4 software will be used for statistical analysis. Heterogeneity will be analysed using I2statistics. Mean difference or standardised mean difference with 95% CI and p value will be used to calculate treatment effect for outcome variables.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required because this systematic review and meta-analysis is based on previously published data. Final results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant conferences and events.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022306033.

Objective: To describe clinical characteristics, resource use, outcomes, and to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit. Methods: Retrospective single-center cohort study conducted at a private hospital in São Paulo (SP), Brazil. All consecutive adult (≥18 years) patients admitted to the intensive care unit, between March 4, 2020 and February 28, 2021 were included in this study. Patients were categorized between survivors and non-survivors according to hospital discharge. Results: During the study period, 1,296 patients [median (interquartile range) age: 66 (53-77) years] with COVID-19 were admitted to the intensive care unit. Out of those, 170 (13.6%) died at hospital (non-survivors) and 1,078 (86.4%) were discharged (survivors). Compared to survivors, non-survivors were older [80 (70-88) versus 63 (50-74) years; p

Introduction The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is evolving rapidly worldwide. Data on the mobility level of patients with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit (ICU) are needed. Objective To describe the mobility level of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU and to address factors associated with mobility level at the time of ICU discharge. Methods Single center, retrospective cohort study. Consecutive patients admitted to the ICU with confirmed COVID-19 infection were analyzed. The mobility status was assessed by the Perme Score at admission and discharge from ICU with higher scores indicating higher mobility level. The Perme Mobility Index (PMI) was calculated [PMI = ΔPerme Score (ICU discharge–ICU admission)/ICU length of stay]. Based on the PMI, patients were divided into two groups: “Improved” (PMI > 0) and “Not improved” (PMI ≤ 0). Results A total of 136 patients were included in this analysis. The hospital mortality rate was 16.2%. The Perme Score improved significantly when comparing ICU discharge with ICU admission [20.0 (7–28) points versus 7.0 (0–16) points; P < 0.001]. A total of 88 patients (64.7%) improved their mobility level during ICU stay, and the median PMI of these patients was 1.5 (0.6–3.4). Patients in the improved group had a lower duration of mechanical ventilation [10 (5–14) days versus 15 (8–24) days; P = 0.021], lower hospital length of stay [25 (12–37) days versus 30 (11–48) days; P < 0.001], and lower ICU and hospital mortality rate. Independent predictors for mobility level were lower age, lower Charlson Comorbidity Index, and not having received renal replacement therapy. Conclusion Patients’ mobility level was low at ICU admission; however, most patients improved their mobility level during ICU stay. Risk factors associated with the mobility level were age, comorbidities, and use of renal replacement therapy.

In December 2019, a series of patients with severe pneumonia were identified in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, who progressed to severe acute respiratory syndrome and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Subsequently, COVID-19 was attributed to a new betacoronavirus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Approximately 20% of patients diagnosed as COVID-19 develop severe forms of the disease, including acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, severe acute respiratory syndrome, acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute renal failure and require intensive care. There is no randomized controlled clinical trial addressing potential therapies for patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection at the time of publishing these treatment recommendations. Therefore, these recommendations are based predominantly on the opinion of experts (level C of recommendation).

OBJECTIVE: To identify which noninvasive ventilation (NIV) masks are most commonly used and the problems related to the adaptation to such masks in critically ill patients admitted to a hospital in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: An observational study involving patients ≥ 18 years of age admitted to intensive care units and submitted to NIV. The reason for NIV use, type of mask, NIV regimen, adaptation to the mask, and reasons for non-adaptation to the mask were investigated. RESULTS: We evaluated 245 patients, with a median age of 82 years. Acute respiratory failure was the most common reason for NIV use (in 71.3%). Total face masks were the most commonly used (in 74.7%), followed by full face masks and near-total face masks (in 24.5% and 0.8%, respectively). Intermittent NIV was used in 82.4% of the patients. Adequate adaptation to the mask was found in 76% of the patients. Masks had to be replaced by another type of mask in 24% of the patients. Adequate adaptation to total face masks and full face masks was found in 75.5% and 80.0% of the patients, respectively. Non-adaptation occurred in the 2 patients using near-total facial masks. The most common reason for non-adaptation was the shape of the face, in 30.5% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: In our sample, acute respiratory failure was the most common reason for NIV use, and total face masks were the most commonly used. The most common reason for non-adaptation to the mask was the shape of the face, which was resolved by changing the type of mask employed. OBJETIVO: Identificar as interfaces de ventilação não invasiva (VNI) mais utilizadas e os eventuais problemas relacionados a sua adaptação em pacientes críticos internados em um hospital na cidade de São Paulo, SP. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, com pacientes acima de 18 anos admitidos nas unidades de pacientes graves que usaram VNI. Foram coletados a causa de uso da VNI, interface utilizada, esquema de uso da VNI, adaptação e motivos para a falta de adaptação à interface. RESULTADOS: Avaliamos 245 pacientes, com média de idade de 82 anos. A insuficiência respiratória aguda foi a causa mais frequente de uso da VNI (71,3%). A interface mais utilizada foi a máscara facial total (74,7%), seguida por máscara facial e máscara facial quase total (24,5% e 0,8%, respectivamente). Em 82,4% dos pacientes, a VNI foi utilizada por períodos. A adaptação adequada à interface ocorreu em 76% dos pacientes. As máscaras tiveram de ser trocadas em 24% dos pacientes. Houve adaptação adequada à máscara facial total e à máscara facial em 75,5% e em 80,0% dos pacientes, respectivamente. A adaptação foi inadequada nos 2 pacientes que utilizaram a máscara facial quase total. A causa mais frequente da falta de adaptação foi o formato da face, em 30,5% dos pacientes. CONCLUSÕES: Nesta amostra, a insuficiência respiratória aguda foi a causa mais frequente de uso da VNI, e a máscara facial total foi a interface mais utilizada. A causa mais comum da falta de adaptação à máscara foi o formato da face, que foi resolvida após a troca da interface.

Background Prevention of health care-associated infections is well described in critical care. However, surveillance in step-down unit (SDU) patients who need intermediate care with bilevel mechanical ventilation pressure through tracheotomy needs to be better understood. We evaluated the implementation of preventive measures in SDU over 2 different periods on device (bilevel mechanical ventilation)-associated pneumonia. Methods A quasi-experimental, interrupted time series study was conducted in SDUs. Interventions were implemented to optimize the prevention of pneumonia associated with tracheostomy and evaluated in 2 phases. From January to October of 2007 (phase 1), some practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were implemented, and the epidemiology unit carried out surveillance for pneumonia associated with tracheostomy. From November of 2007 to August of 2008 (phase 2) the same practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were followed, but, in addition, the assessment of these processes as well as bedside interventions were initiated. Results The mean incidence density of tracheostomy associated pneumonia per 1,000 tracheostomy-days in the SDUs was 6.0 in phase 1 and 0.7 in phase 2, P = .002. Conclusion Reducing pneumonia associated with tracheostomy is a continuous multidisciplinary process that involves the measurement of multiple performance metrics.

Burnout Syndrome is defined as a condition of mental suffering work-related and associated with physiological changes resulting from stress. The burnout syndrome is experienced mainly by health professionals involved in care activities, where the greatest demand for this type of service is to deal with the emotional needs of the other, under stress.

Introduction A recent meta-analysis showed that weaning with SmartCare™ (Dräger, Lübeck, Germany) significantly decreased weaning time in critically ill patients. However, its utility compared with respiratory physiotherapist–protocolized weaning is still a matter of debate. We hypothesized that weaning with SmartCare™ would be as effective as respiratory physiotherapy–driven weaning in critically ill patients. Methods Adult critically ill patients mechanically ventilated for more than 24 hours in the adult intensive care unit of the Albert Einstein Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil, were randomly assigned to be weaned either by progressive discontinuation of pressure support ventilation (PSV) with SmartCare™. Demographic data, respiratory function parameters, level of PSV, tidal volume (VT), positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration (EtCO2) and airway occlusion pressure at 0.1 second (P0.1) were recorded at the beginning of the weaning process and before extubation. Mechanical ventilation time, weaning duration and rate of extubation failure were compared. Results Seventy patients were enrolled 35 in each group. There was no difference between the two groups concerning age, sex or diagnosis at study entry. There was no difference in maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure, forced vital capacity or rapid shallow breathing index at the beginning of the weaning trial. PEEP, VT, FiO2, SpO2, respiratory rate, EtCO2 and P0.1 were similar between the two groups, but PSV was not (median: 8 vs. 10 cmH2O; p =0.007). When the patients were ready for extubation, PSV (8 vs. 5 cmH2O; p =0.015) and PEEP (8 vs. 5 cmH2O; p p =0.467) and extubation failure (2 vs. 2; p =1.00) were similar between the two groups. Weaning duration was shorter in the respiratory physiotherapy–driven weaning group (60 [50–80] minutes vs. 110 [80–130] minutes; p Conclusion A respiratory physiotherapy–driven weaning protocol can decrease weaning time compared with an automatic system, as it takes into account individual weaning difficulties. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02122016. Date of Registration: 27 August 2013.

Objective: To design an instrument composed of domains that would demonstrate physical therapy activities and generate a consistent index to represent the quality of care in physical therapy. Methods: The methodology Lean Six Sigma was used to design the tool. The discussion involved seven different management groups staff. By means of brainstorming and Cause & Effect Matrix, we set up the process map. Results: Five requirements composed the quality of care index in physical therapy, after application of the tool called Cause & Effect Matrix. The following requirements were assessed: physical therapist performance, care outcome indicator, adherence to physical therapy protocols, measure whether the prognosis and treatment outcome was achieved and Infrastructure. Conclusion: The proposed design allowed evaluating several items related to physical therapy service, enabling customization, reproducibility and benchmarking with other organizations. For management, this index provides the opportunity to identify areas for improvement and the strengths of the team and process of physical therapy care. RESUMO Objetivo: Delinear um instrumento composto de domínios que demonstrassem a atividade da área da Fisioterapia e que gerassem um índice consistente, capaz de representar a qualidade da assistência fisioterapêutica. Métodos: Para o delineamento do instrumento, utilizamos a metodologia denominada Lean Seis Sigma. A discussão envolveu sete grupos de gestão diferentes e desta equipe de trabalho. Por meio das ferramentas de brainstorm e Matriz de Causa e Efeito, montamos o mapa do processo. Resultados: Cinco requisitos constituíram o índice de qualidade de assistência da Fisioterapia, após a aplicação da ferramenta denominada Matriz de Causa e Efeito. Os requisitos foram avaliação individual do desempenho do fisioterapeuta, indicador de resultado de assistência, avaliação da adesão da Fisioterapia nos protocolos, medir se o prognóstico e resultado de tratamento foi alcançado, e infraestrutura. Conclusão: O desenho proposto permitiu avaliar vários itens que compunhamo serviço de Fisioterapia, possibilitando customização, reprodutibilidade e benchmark entre as instituições. Para a gestão, esse índice deve proporcionar a oportunidade de identificar os pontos de melhoria, e os pontos fortes da equipe e processo de assistência da Fisioterapia.

Introduction Respiratory Muscle Weakness (RMW) has been defined when the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) is lower than 70% of the predictive value. The prevalence of RMW in chronic heart failure patients is 30 to 50%. So far there are no studies on the prevalence of RMW in acute heart failure (AHF) patients. Objectives Evaluate the prevalence of RMW in patients admitted because of AHF and the condition of respiratory muscle strength on discharge from the hospital. Methods Sixty-three patients had their MIP measured on two occasions: at the beginning of the hospital stay, after they had reached respiratory, hemodynamic and clinical stability and before discharge from the hospital. The apparatus and technique to measure MIP were adapted because of age-related limitations of the patients. Data on cardiac ejection fraction, ECG, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and on the use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) were collected. Results The mean age of the 63 patients under study was 75 years. On admission the mean ejection fraction was 33% (95% CI: 31–35) and the BNP hormone median value was 726.5 pg/ml (range: 217 to 2283 pg/ml); 65% of the patients used NIV. The median value of MIP measured after clinical stabilization was -52.7 cmH2O (range: -20 to -120 cmH2O); 76% of the patients had MIP values below 70% of the predictive value. On discharge, after a median hospital stay of 11 days, the median MIP was -53.5 cmH2O (range:-20 to -150 cmH2O); 71% of the patients maintained their MIP values below 70% of the predictive value. The differences found were not statistically significant. Conclusion Elderly patients admitted with AHF may present a high prevalence of RMW on admission; this condition may be maintained at similar levels on discharge in a large percentage of these patients, even after clinical stabilization of the heart condition.

Perspectives on invasive and noninvasive ventilatory support for critically ill patients are evolving, as much evidence indicates that ventilation may have positive effects on patient survival and the quality of the care provided in intensive care units in Brazil. For those reasons, the Brazilian Association of Intensive Care Medicine (Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira - AMIB) and the Brazilian Thoracic Society (Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia - SBPT), represented by the Mechanical Ventilation Committee and the Commission of Intensive Therapy, respectively, decided to review the literature and draft recommendations for mechanical ventilation with the goal of creating a document for bedside guidance as to the best practices on mechanical ventilation available to their members. The document was based on the available evidence regarding 29 subtopics selected as the most relevant for the subject of interest. The project was developed in several stages, during which the selected topics were distributed among experts recommended by both societies with recent publications on the subject of interest and/or significant teaching and research activity in the field of mechanical ventilation in Brazil. The experts were divided into pairs that were charged with performing a thorough review of the international literature on each topic. All the experts met at the Forum on Mechanical Ventilation, which was held at the headquarters of AMIB in São Paulo on August 3 and 4, 2013, to collaboratively draft the final text corresponding to each sub-topic, which was presented to, appraised, discussed and approved in a plenary session that included all 58 participants and aimed to create the final document.

O suporte ventilatório artificial invasivo e não invasivo ao paciente crítico tem evoluído e inúmeras evidências têm surgido, podendo ter impacto na melhora da sobrevida e da qualidade do atendimento oferecido nas unidades de terapia intensiva no Brasil. Isto posto, a Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira (AMIB) e a Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia (SBPT) - representadas pelo seus Comitê de Ventilação Mecânica e Comissão de Terapia Intensiva, respectivamente, decidiram revisar a literatura e preparar recomendações sobre ventilação mecânica objetivando oferecer aos associados um documento orientador das melhores práticas da ventilação mecânica na beira do leito, baseado nas evidencias existentes, sobre os 29 subtemas selecionados como mais relevantes no assunto. O projeto envolveu etapas visando distribuir os subtemas relevantes ao assunto entre experts indicados por ambas as sociedades que tivessem publicações recentes no assunto e/ou atividades relevantes em ensino e pesquisa no Brasil na área de ventilação mecânica. Esses profissionais, divididos por subtemas em duplas, responsabilizaram-se por fazer revisão extensa da literatura mundial sobre cada subtema. Reuniram-se todos no Forum de Ventilação Mecânica na sede da AMIB em São Paulo, em 03 e 04 de agosto de 2013 para finalização conjunta do texto de cada subtema e apresentação, apreciação, discussão e aprovação em plenária pelos 58 participantes, permitindo a elaboração de um documento final. Perspectives on invasive and noninvasive ventilatory support for critically ill patients are evolving, as much evidence indicates that ventilation may have positive effects on patient survival and the quality of the care provided in intensive care units in Brazil. For those reasons, the Brazilian Association of Intensive Care Medicine (Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira - AMIB) and the Brazilian Thoracic Society (Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia - SBPT), represented by the Mechanical Ventilation Committee and the Commission of Intensive Therapy, respectively, decided to review the literature and draft recommendations for mechanical ventilation with the goal of creating a document for bedside guidance as to the best practices on mechanical ventilation available to their members. The document was based on the available evidence regarding 29 subtopics selected as the most relevant for the subject of interest. The project was developed in several stages, during which the selected topics were distributed among experts recommended by both societies with recent publications on the subject of interest and/or significant teaching and research activity in the field of mechanical ventilation in Brazil. The experts were divided into pairs that were charged with performing a thorough review of the international literature on each topic. All the experts met at the Forum on Mechanical Ventilation, which was held at the headquarters of AMIB in São Paulo on August 3 and 4, 2013, to collaboratively draft the final text corresponding to each sub-topic, which was presented to, appraised, discussed and approved in a plenary session that included all 58 participants and aimed to create the final document.

Mechanical ventilation (MV) weaning is the transition of artificial ventilation to spontaneous breathing of patients intubated for more than 24 hours. Reintubation may occur, even if the weaning process has been well conducted, in 13 to 19% of the extubated patients. Daily weaning screen and spontaneous breathing trial are widely used to evaluate patients ready to be weaned, although a reintubation risk may occur [1]. The objective of this study was to verify the profile of patients that failed the weaning process and needed to be reintubated.

OBJECTIVES: A number of complications exist with invasive mechanical ventilation and with the use of and withdrawal from prolonged ventilator support. The use of protocols that enable the systematic identification of patients eligible for an interruption in mechanical ventilation can significantly reduce the number of complications. This study describes the application of a weaning protocol and its results. METHODS: Patients who required invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 24 hours were included and assessed daily to identify individuals who were ready to begin the weaning process. RESULTS: We studied 252 patients with a median mechanical ventilation time of 3.7 days (interquartile range of 1 to 23 days), a rapid shallow breathing index value of 48 (median), a maximum inspiratory pressure of 40 cmH(2)0, and a maximum expiratory pressure of 40 cm H(2)0 (median). Of these 252 patients, 32 (12.7%) had to be reintubated, which represented weaning failure. Noninvasive ventilation was used postextubation in 170 (73%) patients, and 15% of these patients were reintubated, which also represented weaning failure. The mortality rate of the 252 patients studied was 8.73% (22), and there was no significant difference in the age, gender, mechanical ventilation time, and maximum inspiratory pressure between the survivors and nonsurvivors. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a specific weaning protocol resulted in a lower mechanical ventilation time and an acceptable reintubation rate. This protocol can be used as a comparative index in hospitals to improve the weaning system, its monitoring and the informative reporting of patient outcomes and may represent a future tool and source of quality markers for patient care.

Delirium is an acute temporary and fluctuating mental-organic syndrome, characterized by a global impairment of cognitive function, reduced level of consciousness, attentional deficits and altered sleep-wake cycle, and changes in arousal (hyperactive, hypoactive, or mixed). The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM and CAM ICU) [1] is a diagnostic assessment instrument for delirium and can lead physiotherapeutic treatment, aiming to optimize patient's recovery, reinforce the importance of preventive and therapeutic measures, and appraise the multidisciplinary treatment approach in this severe complicating syndrome. Delirium is present in 20 to 40% of ICU patients. So far we have no data regarding the incidence of delirium at the ICU in patients followed by physiotherapists. The objective of this study was to verify the incidence of delirium through the CAM ICU instrument in ICU patients followed by physiotherapists.

Introduction Reduction of automatic pressure support based on a target respiratory frequency or mandatory rate ventilation (MRV) is available in the Taema-Horus ventilator for the weaning process in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. We hypothesised that MRV is as effective as manual weaning in post-operative ICU patients. Methods There were 106 patients selected in the post-operative period in a prospective, randomised, controlled protocol. When the patients arrived at the ICU after surgery, they were randomly assigned to either: traditional weaning, consisting of the manual reduction of pressure support every 30 minutes, keeping the respiratory rate/tidal volume (RR/TV) below 80 L until 5 to 7 cmH2O of pressure support ventilation (PSV); or automatic weaning, referring to MRV set with a respiratory frequency target of 15 breaths per minute (the ventilator automatically decreased the PSV level by 1 cmH2O every four respiratory cycles, if the patient's RR was less than 15 per minute). The primary endpoint of the study was the duration of the weaning process. Secondary endpoints were levels of pressure support, RR, TV (mL), RR/TV, positive end expiratory pressure levels, FiO2 and SpO2 required during the weaning process, the need for reintubation and the need for non-invasive ventilation in the 48 hours after extubation. Results In the intention to treat analysis there were no statistically significant differences between the 53 patients selected for each group regarding gender (p = 0.541), age (p = 0.585) and type of surgery (p = 0.172). Nineteen patients presented complications during the trial (4 in the PSV manual group and 15 in the MRV automatic group, p < 0.05). Nine patients in the automatic group did not adapt to the MRV mode. The mean ± sd (standard deviation) duration of the weaning process was 221 ± 192 for the manual group, and 271 ± 369 minutes for the automatic group (p = 0.375). PSV levels were significantly higher in MRV compared with that of the PSV manual reduction (p < 0.05). Reintubation was not required in either group. Non-invasive ventilation was necessary for two patients, in the manual group after cardiac surgery (p = 0.51). Conclusions The duration of the automatic reduction of pressure support was similar to the manual one in the post-operative period in the ICU, but presented more complications, especially no adaptation to the MRV algorithm. Trial Registration Trial registration number: ISRCTN37456640

In early mobilization context as also for any type of critically ill patient mobility, there are different levels of patients' participation during the activity, going from total dependence to independence. In this sense, two aspects should be considered as the efficacy of safe procedures to the patient as well as for the health care team in order to minimize ergonomic risks. This ergonomic risk can be tracked through a specific scale, although so far there are no evidence of this ergonomic risk in critically ill patients.