Introduction:

The early rehabilitation of the serious patient is a requirement of their comprehensive care.

Objective:

Systematize essential contents related to the early rehabilitation of the patient admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

Method:

In the General Teaching Hospital “Dr. Agostinho Neto”, between January and July 2019, a narrative review was made on the subject, through a search in electronic databases (Virtual Health Library, LILACS, PubMed, SciELO, REDALYC, Scopus).

Results:

159 documents were located and 25 relevant for the purpose of the review were chosen. The information was structured in the following aspects: definitions, use of the clinical method in the early rehabilitation of the severe patient, benefits and protocols for this purpose. Controversies were identified on the criteria of indication, the protocol of action, the start times, intensity and frequency of the exercises.

Conclusions:

The bases for early rehabilitation in serious patients are systematized, it is revealed that it is feasible to improve their functional recovery and future quality of life.

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