Mobility device helps ICU patients get back on their feet

A mobility aid to speed up the recovery of intensive care patients has been developed by students at John Hopkins University in Maryland, US.

The ICU MOVER Aid – a walking frame with a seat attached in case the patient collapses or needs to sit down quickly – has a 'tower' which holds two oxygen tanks, a cardiac monitor, IV infusion pumps and a ventilator.

Part of a new ICU rehabilitation programme, the device allows critically ill patients to walk around while still attached to life-support equipment, accompanied by two nurses.

Enabling patients to get out of bed sooner could reduce the risks associated with long-term bed rest and sedation in ICU patients, such as muscle weakness, pressure sores and depression, said its developers.