This study was undertaken to investigate the rate of mobilization, defined as a rehabilitation level of sitting on the edge of a bed or higher, and its association with changes in barriers in the intensive care unit (ICU). Consecutive patients from January 2016 to March 2019 admitted to the ICU, 18 years old or older, who did not meet exclusion criteria, were eligible.

The primary outcome was the rate of mobilization. Barriers, their changes on a daily basis, and clinical outcomes, such as walking independence at hospital discharge, were also investigated. The association between the barriers and mobilization, and walking independence were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

During the study period, 177 patients were enrolled.

Mobilization was achieved by 116 patients (66%) by the 7th ICU day.

The barrier to mobilization was circulatory status on days 1 and 2, consciousness level on days 3 to 5, and medical staff factors on days 6 and 7.

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