Mobility in ICU survivors: A concept analysis

Abstract

Objective Mobility limitations are common and clinically important among ICU survivors, yet the concept of mobility remains inconsistently defined and is often conflated with physical capacity, functional status, and activities of daily living. This study aimed to clarify the concept of mobility in ICU survivors using Walker and Avant's concept analysis methodology. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Web of Science from database inception to August 15, 2026. Walker and Avant's eight-step framework guided the identification and synthesis of uses, related concepts, defining attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents. Results Thirty-eight studies were included. One defining attribute of mobility was identified: purposeful transition in body position or spatial location. Antecedents comprised predisposing factors, critical illness-related factors, physical prerequisites and limiting conditions, and contextual and modifying factors. Consequences spanned functional and daily-life, psychosocial and participation, and care and service domains. Mobility-focused task measures were the most conceptually aligned empirical referents, whereas measures of muscle strength, exercise capacity, activities of daily living, disability, participation, and quality of life assessed related but distinct constructs. Conclusion Mobility in ICU survivors is defined as patient-generated or patient-controlled movement that produces a purposeful transition in body position or spatial location following critical illness. Such transitions may be performed independently or with assistance. This definition distinguishes mobility from enabling physical capacities, passive repositioning, contextual influences, and broader functional and social outcomes. Implications for clinical practice This concept analysis may help nurses and rehabilitation professionals distinguish mobility from physical capacity and broader functional outcomes, supporting more consistent mobility assessment, individualized rehabilitation planning, and the development of nursing-sensitive mobility outcomes.