Patients who are not mobile during their hospital stays may end up losing function, staying in the hospital for longer, and going home weaker than before. They face increasing risk of falls or skin problems.

Within the first 24 hours of bed rest, young adults lose muscle mass and experience low plasma volume and orthostatic intolerance.

The effect of bed rest on older adults is even more pronounced and may include decreases in strength, muscle protein synthesis, and lower extremity and whole-body mass within 10 days.

Bed rest can cause healthy patients to lose 4-5% of their muscle strength in 1 week.

Mobility can improve strength, function, and the patient experience while sending the patient home sooner.