Targeted Exercise Intervention to Reduce Morbidity and Mortality in Sepsis

This is a single arm, pilot study. Patients in the LHSC adult ICU (Critical Care Trauma Centre) (1200 patients/annum) are screened daily for severe sepsis by the Clinical Research Assistants. Severe sepsis is defined as infection, systemic inflammation and sepsis-induced dysfunction of at least one organ system. Study consent is obtained from the patient or substitute decision maker. Our objective in this pilot study is to determine the feasibility of delivering a regular passive exercise intervention, and collecting relevant outcome data early in the course of severe sepsis in critically ill patients. We hypothesize that early passive exercise in septic patients will reduce inflammation, endothelial cell injury, microvascular hypoperfusion and mortality. Our goal is to provide the evidence from comprehensive analysis of biochemical, physiologic and patient outcomes to develop a definitive multi-centre clinical trial.