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Researchers from University of Pennsylvania Medical Center found daily interruptions in sedation paired with mobilization and exercise can speed recovery of ICU patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. In a study of 100 patients, they found patients who underwent the mobilization protocol were more frequently able to get out of bed, stand, and occasionally walk with assistance during mechanical ventilation. Only one-third of patients who received mobilization only after ventilation was withdrawn left the hospital able to function independently. In contrast, nearly 60% of the early mobilization patients achieved independence, and they were less likely to experience delirium.

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