Incidence and Determinants of Joint Contractures in Mechanically Ventilated ICU Patients

Recruiting now

Conditions studied: Joint Contractures, Critical Illness, Mechanical Ventilation, INTANSIVE CARE

In brief

This prospective observational cohort study aims to evaluate the incidence and determinants of joint contracture development in mechanically ventilated adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Prolonged immobilization, deep sedation, and neuromuscular blockade are common in critically ill patients and may contribute to musculoskeletal complications, including joint contractures, which can adversely affect functional outcomes and rehabilitation after ICU discharge. Adult patients who are mechanically ventilated, immobilized, and have impaired consciousness will be consecutively enrolled and followed during their ICU stay. Joint range of motion will be assessed using standardized passive range of motion (PROM) measurements performed with a goniometer at predefined intervals by trained assessors. Joint contracture will be defined as a reduction of at least 33% in passive joint range of motion compared with normal reference values. This study is non-interventional, and all patients will receive routine ICU care and standard physiotherapy according to institutional protocols. No additional procedures or interventions will be applied for research purposes. Demographic characteristics, clinical variables, and ICU-related factors will be recorded to explore potential associations with contracture development. The findings of this study are expected to provide prospective data on the burden of joint contractures in mechanically ventilated ICU patients and to identify modifiable risk factors that may inform future preventive and rehabilitative strategies in critical care practice.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT07339397
Run by: Elazıg Fethi Sekin Sehir Hastanesi
People needed: 150
Starts: 2025-12-01
Expected to finish: 2026-05-01
Last updated by the study team: 2026-01-14

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Adult patients aged 18 and over
Patients on mechanical ventilation and monitored in the intensive care unit for at least 7 days
Glasgow Coma Score ≤10
Patients monitored immobile in the intensive care unit
Situations where informed consent can be obtained from the patient's legal representative

You may not qualify if…

• Presence of pre-existing joint contracture, ankylosis, or amputation
Patients with severe burns, fractures, or surgical reasons preventing joint movement
Patients with a history of neuromuscular disease or spasticity
Patients who were immobilized for ≥1 week prior to admission to the intensive care unit
Hemodynamic instability situations where measurement is unreliable

Where it is running

Fethi Sekin City Hospital — Elâzığ, Elaziğ, Turkey (Türkiye) (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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