Optimizing ICU rehabilitation for critically ill adults
Official title: Optimizing Acute Care Rehabilitation for Critically Ill Adults
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11339259 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A program is being tested to find the best dose and timing of rehab for adults in the ICU on breathing machines to help them recover faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 16, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,189,607 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG099962-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11339259 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults in the ICU on invasive mechanical ventilation who are eligible for early rehabilitation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not candidates for early rehabilitation or who have contraindications to physical therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests how often, how long, and when physical and occupational therapy should be given to adults with critical illness in the ICU. It uses a structured MOST framework to optimize rehabilitation delivered by therapists from ICU admission through hospital discharge. The goal is to improve physical function and thinking skills at discharge, reduce time on the ventilator and in the hospital, and help patients return home sooner. The study is led by the University of Colorado Denver and will involve adult patients in critical care units.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could recover more quickly and regain independence after critical illness.
How similar studies have gone: Many prior trials support early rehab in the ICU, but optimal dosing and timing remain uncertain.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moss, Marc — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Moss, Marc
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.