Can the critically ill patient generate sufficient energy to facilitate exercise in the ICU?

Abstract

Purpose of review Trials of physical rehabilitation post critical illness have yet to deliver improved health-related quality of life in critical illness survivors. Muscle mass and strength are lost rapidly in critical illness and a proportion of patients continue to do so resulting in increased mortality and functional disability. Addressing this issue is therefore fundamental for recovery from critical illness. Recent findings Altered mitochondrial function occurs in the critically ill and is likely to result in decreased adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) production. Muscle contraction is a process that requires ATP. The metabolic demands of exercise are poorly understood in the ICU setting. R..