Technology-assisted early mobilization for ICU patients on ventilators

The Effect of Technology-Assisted Early Mobilization Program Among Patients in the Intensive Care Units: A Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Taipei Medical University · NCT06700694

This trial will test whether a technology-assisted, family-engaged early mobilization program helps critically ill adults on ventilators avoid ICU-acquired weakness.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment138 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorTaipei Medical University (other)
Locations1 site (Taipei)
Trial IDNCT06700694 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This single-blind, three-arm randomized trial will enroll 138 critically ill adults and randomize them 1:1:1 to a technology-assisted early mobilization group, a systematic protocol-oriented early mobilization group, or usual care. Interventions start within 72 hours of ventilator use and the technology-assisted arm adds in-bed activities supported primarily by family members alongside physiotherapist-led protocolized mobilization. The systematic early mobilization arm receives the same protocolized mobilization without the technology/family component, while the control arm receives routine rehabilitation. The primary outcome is occurrence of ICU-acquired weakness, with secondary outcomes including muscle strength, delirium, sleep status, and other clinical outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older who have been mechanically ventilated at least 24 hours, have RASS between 0 and -1, can communicate in Chinese, have no major sensory or movement restrictions, and are expected to remain in the ICU more than 96 hours are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with preexisting severe brain or spinal injury, neuromuscular disease, delirium at enrollment, very high early APACHE II scores (>25), or those unable to follow commands or with anticipated short ICU stays are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce ICU-acquired weakness and improve muscle strength and recovery after critical illness.

How similar studies have performed: Prior studies of early mobilization in the ICU have shown benefits for reducing weakness and improving outcomes, but technology-assisted, family-delivered in-bed programs remain relatively novel with limited direct evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged ≥ 18 years
* Being mechanically ventilated ≥ 24 hours
* Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS): 0 to -1
* No vision, hearing, or body movements restriction
* With clear consciousness and ability to communicate in Chinese
* Expected to stay in the ICU \> 96 hours.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have developed delirium before enrollment (ICDSC \> 4)
* With acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) score \> 25 after ICU admission within 24 hours
* With muscle weakness caused by severe acute brain injury (e.g., traumatic brain injury or stroke), spinal coral injury, other neuromuscular conduction diseases, or long-term bedridden or hemiplegia.

Where this trial is running

Taipei

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Intensive Care Unit Acquired Weakness

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.