Exercise overcomes muscle weakness following on trauma and critical illness

Abstract

Injuries related to trauma are often seen in South Africanintensive care units. Systemic inflammation and the development of sepsislead to prolonged intensive care unit and hospital stay. The effects of critical illness and immobility on the human body are not always well-understood. This review article explains the pathogenesis of muscle weak-ness due to inflammation and identifies the role of exercise prescription incounteracting impairments that may be identified in survivors of traumaduring and after hospital stay.

Keywords

• trauma
• inflammation
• muscle weakness
• exercise