Effect of early activity exercises and proper positioning on occurrence of joint contractures among critically ill patients

 Prolonged intensive care unit stay for two weeks or longer may predispose the patients to the occurrence of joint contractures. The aim: Evaluate effect of early activity exercises and proper positioning on occurrence of joint contractures among critically ill patients. Quasi-experimental research design was used to conduct this research. Setting: ICU at Sohag University Hospital. Sample: sixty patients, divided into study and control groups equally. Methods and materials: Tool I:Patient assessment sheet. Tool II: Joint flexibility and mobility assessment scales. Each patient in the study group received early activity exercises and proper positioning. The control group received hospital routine care. Both groups were monitored for development of joint contractures at 15^th day. Results: There were statistically significant differences of joints angles regarding all directions of five major joints among study group at 1^st and 15^th  day ( p<0.000). Conclusion: Applying early activity exercises and proper positioning on critically ill patients in ICU have statistically significant positive effect to reduce occurrence of joint contractures.