Table 1.

Main points

Studies by ICU specialists have permit understanding of several of the pathophysiological and clinical aspects of ICU-acquired weakness (ICUAW)

Despite important progress, the therapeutic strategies are unsatisfactory and issues such as functional outcomes and long-term recovery remain unclear

Subjects with a combination of acquired severe brain injury and ICUAW show reduced quality of life and greater disability compared to patients without ICUAW

Age, premorbid ICU condition, and functionality should be considered when evaluating ICUAW outcomes, but further aspects should also be considered, such as the ICUAW types, effect of the primary cause of ICU admission, role of each disorder in impairments and disability, and rehabilitation interventions

In planning studies that investigate functional recovery, multiple specialists, such as neurologists and physiatrists, in addition to ICU physicians should be involved

A multi-specialist approach might shed new light on areas of uncertainty and new insight into organizing better care pathways for ICUAW patients