RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Evaluation of Rehabilitation Practices in the Intensive Care Unit

This study is checking how much physical rehabilitation patients receive while they are in intensive care (ICU) and using a breathing machine (ventilator). The researchers want to count how many rehabilitation sessions each patient gets during their ICU stay, up to 28 days. They are specifically interested in French-speaking ICUs. This is an ‘observational’ study, meaning they are simply watching and recording what already happens, not trying out new treatments. They aim to understand the current situation concerning rehabilitation exercises for these very unwell patients. The goal is to see if patients are getting enough regular exercises to help with their recovery from serious illness.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

French Society for Intensive Care

Enrolment target

1,000

Start

17 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Invasive Mechanical Ventilation Rehabilitation Exercise of ICU Patients

What is this study about?

This research is looking at patients in intensive care units (ICUs) who are very unwell and need help breathing from a machine, often called a ventilator. When people are critically ill in the ICU, they can become very weak and lose muscle strength quickly. Physical rehabilitation, which includes gentle exercises and movements, is really important to help them get stronger and recover.

The researchers want to understand how much rehabilitation patients are actually receiving in these ICUs. They will be observing and counting how many rehabilitation sessions each patient gets during their time in the ICU, up to 28 days. They are focusing on ICUs in French-speaking areas.

This study isn't testing a new medicine or treatment; it's simply observing and recording what's already happening. By doing this, they hope to get a clear picture of how often rehabilitation exercises are currently being given to patients on breathing machines. This information can help healthcare teams understand if patients are getting the right amount of support to help them get better and regain their strength after a serious illness.

Key takeaways

This study observes rehabilitation given to ICU patients on breathing machines.
It aims to understand how often physical exercises are provided.
No new treatments or changes to care are involved.
The information helps improve future care for very ill patients.
Participation involves only recording existing rehabilitation activities.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, patients must be adults (18 years or older) and already in intensive care. They need to be expected to be on a breathing machine for more than two days, and they must have joined the study within the first five days of their ICU stay.

There are certain reasons why someone wouldn't be able to join. For example, if they are already taking part in another study that is testing new early rehabilitation exercises in the ICU, they can’t join this one. Also, if a patient is considered to be dying, or if they are pregnant or breastfeeding, they would not be included.

Finally, the study also cannot include individuals who are in prison or those who don't have health insurance, as these situations have specific rules around research participation.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently in intensive care and expected to be on a breathing machine for more than 2 days?
Did you start your ICU stay and this study within the last 5 days?
Are you not currently part of another study testing new early rehabilitation methods in ICU?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you or your loved one were to take part in this study, nothing about your medical care would change. Your doctors and nurses would continue to provide rehabilitation exercises as they normally would. The only difference is that the study team would be keeping a record of how often these rehabilitation exercises are performed each day during your stay in the intensive care unit. There are no extra hospital visits, no new tests, and no additional medications involved for the study. The study team will simply be observing and collecting information that is part of your regular care, up to 28 days from when you started using a breathing machine.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct medical benefits or risks associated with taking part in this study for the individual patient, as it only involves observing current rehabilitation practices without changing them. However, the information gathered could help improve rehabilitation practices for future patients in intensive care. As with any study, you are always free to decide not to take part or to withdraw at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

SRLF
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'rehabilitation' in this study?

It refers to physical exercises and activities to help patients in ICU regain strength and movement.

Will my treatment change if I join?

No, your medical care and rehabilitation exercises will remain exactly the same.

Is this study testing a new medicine?

No, it is an 'observational' study, meaning researchers are just watching and recording current practices.

How long will information be collected?

Information will be collected for up to 28 days from when a patient starts using a breathing machine.

Who is funding this study?

The information provided does not specify the funding source for this particular study.

How to find out more

Guillaume FOSSAT, Physiotherapist Msc, PhD Student

secretariat@srlf.org +331 45 86 74 00 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.