Use of Structured Exercise Program with Resistance Training and Verticalization in Adults on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Prospective Pilot Study
Authors' conclusion
A structured daily program that combines mobility, verticalization, and resistance exercises during ECMO was feasible and safe. More time in sessions was associated with better functional performance.
Study context
- Population
- Adults on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) (47 ± 15 years old, 80% male, 95% venovenous ECMO)
- Participants
- 20 adults
- Outcome
- Time on exercise training per day
Methodological detailssingle-centre
- Single-centre
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
PT/OT daily therapy time, average (median 20)
21 minutes
Resistance sessions daily time, average (median 27)
30 minutes
Combined daily exercise, average (median 35, maximum 122)
35 minutes
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Survival and discharge
- Day-28 survival
- 95%
- In-hospital survival
- 85%
- Survivors discharged home
- 56%
- Survivors with body mass index (BMI) increase from admission to discharge
- 44%
Session time and functional performance
- Longer session times correlated with faster supine-to-sitting transitions in PT/OT
- P = 0.002
- Longer resistance session times associated with increased repetitions (bicep/triceps flexion and extension, chest press, shoulder press, hip/knee flexion)
- P < 0.001
Safety
- Minor adverse events, both resolved immediately
- 2
Original publication
Use of Structured Exercise Program with Resistance Training and Verticalization in Adults on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Prospective Pilot Study. Crit Care Med. Published 23 April 2026. doi:10.
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