Early Mobilization in Neurocritical Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Patients admitted to neurocritical care (NCC) units with acute neurological injury are at high risk of prolonged immobility, contributing to neuromuscular weakness, delayed recovery, and poor functional outcomes. While early mobilization (EM) improves outcomes in general intensive care unit (ICU) populations, its effectiveness and safety in NCC patients remain uncertain due to neuro-specific physiological concerns and heterogeneity in rehabilitation practices. We are conducting a SRMA searching MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from 2000. Outcomes include mortality, ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS) and functional outcomes. Random-effects meta-analyses will be performed where appropriate. Certainty of evidence will be assessed using GRADE methodology.