Background Immobilisation predicts adverse outcomes in patients in the surgical intensive
care unit (SICU). Attempts to mobilise critically ill patients early after surgery are frequently
restricted, but we tested whether early mobilisation leads to improved mobility, decreased
SICU length of stay, and increased functional independence of patients at hospital
discharge. Methods We did a multicentre, international, parallel-group, assessor-blinded,
randomised controlled trial in SICUs of five university hospitals in Austria (n= 1), Germany …

Background Immobilisation predicts adverse outcomes in patients in the surgical intensive
care unit (SICU). Attempts to mobilise critically ill patients early after surgery are frequently
restricted, but we tested whether early mobilisation leads to improved mobility, decreased
SICU length of stay, and increased functional independence of patients at hospital
discharge. Methods We did a multicentre, international, parallel-group, assessor-blinded,
randomised controlled trial in SICUs of five university hospitals in Austria (n= 1), Germany …