Patients and methods: Between February 2023 and June 2023, this randomized-controlled study included a total of 56 participants (33 males, 23 females; mean age: 70.1±15.9 years; range, 35 to 91 years) who were randomly assigned with 28 participants in the experimental group and 28 participants in the control group. The experimental group underwent routine ventilator weaning plan and continuous mobility training plan. The control group underwent the routine ventilator weaning plan and hand bicycle training. The length of mechanical ventilation, length of stay at the respiratory care center, total length of hospital stay and success rate of ventilator weaning were analyzed.

Results: The mean length of mechanical ventilation (17.1±10.5 vs. 29.0±13.4 days, p=0.000) and stay at the respiratory care center (21.5±9.6 vs. 34.8±14.6 days, p=0.000) were shorter in the experimental group than the control group, indicating statistically significant differences. The mean total length of hospital stay of the experimental was shorter than the control groups (59.3±21.5 vs. 70.5±24.4 days), indicating a statistically significant difference (p=0.075). The success rate of ventilator weaning in the experimental group and control group were 89.3% and 67.9%, respectively, without statistically significant difference (p=0.051).

Conclusion: The continuous mobility training in individuals with prolonged mechanical ventilation can reduce the length of mechanical ventilation and stay at the respiratory care center, but has no significant benefit for the total length of hospital stay and the success rate of ventilator weaning. Keywords : Exercise, mechanical ventilation, ventilator weaning