The efficacy of massage and range-of-motion exercises on acquired weakness in the Critical care unit: a single-blind randomized parallel controlled clinical trial

Background: Weakness and muscle atrophy are important problems in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). This study was conducted to examine the effect of massage and range of motion (ROM) exercises on ICU-acquired weakness. Methods: In this randomized trial, ۹۰ alert ICU patients were assigned to three groups: massage, ROM, and control. The massage group received Swedish massage daily for ۷ days, and the ROM group performed daily range of motion exercises for the upper and lower extremities for ۷ days. Muscle weakness was assessed using the MRC-SS score at predefined time points, before the intervention and on days ۴ and ۷. Results: After the intervention, muscle strength increased significantly in the massage group. In addition, both the massage and ROM groups showed greater improvement in muscle strength compared with the control group (P < ۰.۰۵). Furthermore, the ROM group demonstrated a greater increase in muscle strength than the massage group (P = ۰.۰۱). Conclusion: Both massage and ROM exercises are effective for preventing or improving ICU-acquired weakness and can be used as supportive interventions in the care of hospitalized patients.

کلیدواژه ها:

Critical care unit acquired weakness ، range of motion ، massage ، Critical care unit