Background: The immobility in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation is associated with respiratory muscle weakness, contributing to prolonged hospitalization. This weakness can be reversed or attenuated through a mobilization program at the bedside. Aim and Objectives: To compare the effects of a standardized protocol of mobilization on respiratory muscle strength of critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation. We hypothesized that the application of a standardized and systematic mobilization protocol can improve the respiratory muscular strength in critically ill patients. Methods: It is quasi-experimental study. 10 patients were submitted to Standardized Mobilization Protocol (SMP). SMP was consisted of a 5-phase strategy, progressing from passive mobilization to walking, as assessed by the Ramsay or Coma Glasgow Scale and peripheral muscle strength. Respiratory muscle strength (Maximal Inspiratory Pressure – MIP and Maximal Expiratory Pressure – MEP) was assessed following the guidelines of the ATS/ERS. It was adopted as significant p Results: There was an increase of MIP after execution of the SMP when comparing the initial and final assessments (MIP initial = 44.3 ± 18.2 cmH 2 O and MIP final = 56.0 ± 20.2 cmH 2 O; p=0.04). There was no significant difference in expiratory muscle strength. Conclusion: The results suggest that a standardized protocol mobilization improves respiratory muscle strength in critically ill patients.
