Introduction:

Immobility is a term used to describe a person's inability to move.

Immobility can increase health risks such as cardiovascular disease and
deep vein thrombosis. Although mobility can be achieved by using
various devices, the discussion here emphasizes walking. Immobility
refers to the state in which an individual has a limitation in
independent, purposeful physical movement of the body or of one or
more lower extremities. Immobility can trigger a series of subsequent
diseases and problems in older individuals that produce further pain,
disability and impaired quality of life. Optimizing mobility should be
the goal of all members of the health care team working with older
adults. Small improvements in mobility can decrease the incidence and
severity of complications, improve the patient’s well-being, and
decrease the cost and burden of care giving.
This chapter outlines the common causes and complications of
immobility’s and reviews the principles of management for some of the
common conditions associated with immobility in the population.
Definition of immobility:

Immobility refers to a reduction in the amount and control of

movement a person has.
Causes of immortality:
1. Congenital problem: Spinal bifida.
2. Musculoskeletal disorders:
# Arthritis’s
#Osteoporosis
#Fractures (Especially hip & femur)
# Other (Paget's disease)
3. Neuromuscular Deficits: MS
4. Neurological Disorders:
# Stroke
# Parkinson’s disease
# Other (cerebellar dysfunction, neuropathies)
5. Chronic Health Problem: low back pain.
6. Trauma: Head injury, Fractures.
7. Affective disorders: Uncontrolled depression.
8. Therapeutic Modalities: DVT’s, chemo.
9. Medications.
Risk Factors of Immobility:
 Cardiovascular disease,  Depression, Grief,
 Respiratory Conditions,  Poor motivation,
 Neurological Conditions,  Medication causing sedation,
 Sensory Deficits, hypertension, dizziness, fatigue,
 Anemia,  General weakness after prolonged
bed rest,
 Stroke,
 Malnutrition,
 Arthritis, Osteoporosis,
 Several illness of any type.
 Parkinson's disease,
 Foot deformities,
 Pain,
 Fatigue, Weakness,
 Recent Fracture,
 Dementia,
 History of falls,
Prevention of immobility:

1. Pack clothes to wear in the hospital. Staying in pajamas or a

hospital gown is one of the biggest causes of immobility. Changing
into everyday clothes can make you more likely to get out of bed and
move around.
2. Whether you’re in the hospital or at home, try sitting in a chair
rather than lying in the bed.
3. Keep moving. Start with small activists, doing as much as the
recovery plan allows. Walk from one room to another. Perform daily
activists with as little assistance as possible.
Complication of Immobility:

1. Skin,
2. Pressure ulcer
3. Musculoskeletal
4. Muscular deconditioning and atrophy.
5. Contractures
6. Bone loss (Osteoporosis)
7. Cardiovascular
8. Deconditioning
9. Orthostatic hypotension.