Background: Critically ill intubated and mechanically ventilated patients are usually kept
sedated and their mobility is limited, with only passive movement provided through
routine nursing care and regular repositioning. Early mobilization of critically ill patients
seeks to improve management outcomes and enhance the quality of life for the patients.
Aim of the study: to assess the effect of early abdominal mobilization exercise on
gastrointestinal outcomes among mechanical ventilation patients. Design: a quasiexperimental
research design. Setting: The study was conducted at the Intensive Care Unit
in Qena Main University Hospital. Subjects: a purposive sample of approximately thirty
critically ill patients attached with invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 24 hours.
Tools: Gastrointestinal outcomes assessment sheet used to assess gastrointestinal outcomes
after the abdominal mobilization exercise program. Results: 86.7% of the participants
experienced reduced distention after abdominal exercises. 83.3% of them had a softer
abdomen after the intervention. Concerning abdominal characteristics, 83.3% of the study
sample had a soft abdomen after the intervention, and only 16.7% had a tense abdomen
after the intervention. Regarding of gastric residual volume, 100.0% of the study sample
had less than 50 ml after the early abdominal exercise intervention. Conclusion: early
abdominal mobilization showed significant improvement in gastrointestinal functions and
reduced the signs of enteral feeding intolerance as distension, tense abdomen, vomiting,
constipation, and gastric residual volume which means improvement in the digestion
process and gastric emptying time. Recommendations: early abdominal exercise and
massage should be included in the routine patient's care at the ICU and further researches
are needed.