The Effect of Implementing an Early Mobilization Program on Treatment Outcome of Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Introduction: Immobility in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients can cause serious complications. Early mobilization has been suggested as an effective strategy to improve patient outcomes, but its implementation remains limited in many settings. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an early mobilization program on the treatment outcome of ICU patients. Methods: This quasi-experimental study with a non-concurrent control group was conducted in a hospital affiliated with Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, from July to November 2025. Fifty ICU patients were selected through convenience sampling and assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received an early mobilization program initiated within 72 hours of ICU admission, while the control group received routine care. Data were collected using a structured checklist and analyzed using SPSS version 22 with a significance level of p < 0.05. This study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20120414009469N5). Results: Baseline characteristics, including age, sex, APACHE II, initial GCS, and diagnosis, were comparable between groups (all p > 0.05). The intervention significantly reduced the incidence of VAP (12% vs. 44%, χ² = 6.34, p = 0.012) and delirium (4% vs. 36%, χ² = 8.10, p = 0.005), although ICU mortality was not significantly different (24% vs. 44%, χ² = 2.22, p = 0.136). Patients in the intervention group had shorter mechanical ventilation (8.64 ± 2.37 vs. 11.16 ± 4.54 days, p = 0.018) and ICU stay (9.44 ± 2.72 vs. 13.28 ± 4.96 days, p = 0.001). Repeated Measures ANOVA over seven days showed significant group × time interactions for Braden, GCS, IMS, and MRC scores (all p < 0.001). Within-group analyses indicated substantial improvements in the intervention group over this 7-day period (all p < 0.001), reflecting enhanced consciousness, muscle strength, and pressure ulcer prevention, while control group changes were minimal. Conclusion: The results showed that structured and safely delivered early mobilization in ICU patients can reduce the incidence of VAP and delirium, shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay, lower the risk of pressure injuries, and improve consciousness, functional capacity, and muscle strength. Although determining the optimal dosing and long-term effects requires larger multicenter studies, the findings strongly support integrating early mobilization into routine ICU care.