Effects of Early Mobilization in Children With Pneumonia

The children's susceptibility to respiratory problems is due to their anatomical and physiological characteristics; therefore, children with more severe clinical conditions may undergo invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). However, its prolonged use favors tracheal injury, barotrauma and / or volutrauma, decreased cardiac output and oxygen toxicity, and especially the accumulation of respiratory secretions due to ineffective cough due to non-closure of the glottis and damage in the transport of mucus by the presence of the tracheal tube. Thus, triggering the development of mechanical ventilation-associated pneumonia (VAP), which is defined as a pulmonary infection that arises 48 to 72 hours after endotracheal intubation and the institution of invasive mechanical ventilation. As a consequence, respiratory work is performed by IMV, reducing the work exerted by spontaneous ventilation, causing neuromuscular disorders after 5 to 7 days of IMV, changes in muscle mechanics, reducing the capacity of the diaphragm to generate force, thus contributing to changes in modulation autonomic heart rate, changes in muscular trophism, generating physical deconditioning due to weakness and, finally, an increase in the length of hospitalization and immobilism. From this perspective, early mobilization emerges as a rehabilitation mechanism to improve muscle strength and joint mobility, as well as to improve lung function and respiratory system performance, as well as improved autonomic heart rate modulation. It can facilitate the weaning of IMV, reducing hospitalization time and promoting quality of life after discharge.