Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Observational Study Protocol for Repeated Clinical Examination and Critical Care Ultrasonography Within the Simple Intensive Care Studies
Published on: January 16, 2019
Physiotherapy in intensive care is safe: an observational study.
Litsa Zeppos1, Shane Patman, Susan Berney
1La Trobe University, Australia.
Physiotherapy in intensive care units (ICUs) is safe, with a low incidence of adverse physiological events (0.2%). This finding supports the safety of physical therapy for critically ill patients, even those with cardiovascular issues.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Physiotherapy
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Physiotherapy is crucial for intensive care unit (ICU) patients.
- Understanding the incidence of adverse events during ICU physiotherapy is essential for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of adverse physiological changes during physiotherapy interventions in critically ill patients.
- To assess the safety profile of physiotherapy in the ICU setting.
Main Methods:
- A multi-center, prospective observational study was conducted.
- Data were collected from five tertiary ICU settings over three months.
- 12,281 physiotherapy interventions were analyzed for adverse events.
Main Results:
- A low incidence of adverse physiological changes (0.2%, 27 events) was observed during physiotherapy.
- This rate is significantly lower than in previous studies and general ICU care.
- Factors associated with adverse events included cardiovascular instability and specific interventions.
Conclusions:
- Physiotherapy interventions in ICUs have a low incidence of adverse events.
- Physiotherapy is a safe intervention for patients in intensive care settings.
Related Concept Videos
Chest Physiotherapy
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care