Early In-bed Cycling in Critically Ill Children

In-bed cycling will be applied using a cycle ergometer (RT300 Supine Cycle Ergometer) for 30 minutes per day in addition to Usual Care, until the physiotherapist deems that the patient is mobilizing well, or a maximum of 7 days (whichever comes first). This cycle ergometer is specifically designed for pediatric use, and can be applied to facilitate lower or upper limb cycling. The intervention will be applied by a trained physiotherapist and/or clinician. Pre-defined Safety Criteria for interrupting or aborting the intervention will be observed. Qualitative interviews will be conducted with a health care provider, the patient where possible, and a family caregiver following the intervention period.

Usual care physiotherapy will be applied to patients in the control arm, according to the unit specific guidelines for early mobilization. Qualitative interviews will be conducted with a health care provider, the patient where possible, and a family caregiver following the intervention period.