Navigating Rehabilitation During ECMO Support: Insights from a Retrospective Cohort Study

Highlights

• Active rehabilitation was initiated in over half of ECMO patients within the first week and increased to nearly 80% by week two.
• Weekly rehabilitation frequency was highest among patients bridged to transplantation compared to those bridged to recovery or who died while waiting.
• Edge-of-bed sitting was achievable throughout ECMO support, even beyond four weeks, underscoring potential safety and feasibility of early mobilization.
• Physical activity levels were maintained through ECMO decannulation and improved post-decannulation among ICU survivors.

Background