[Physiotherapeutic treatment of adipose patients. Options and limitations on intensive care units].

BACKGROUND: Obese patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) represent an interesting topic, which is currently receiving increased attention from physiotherapists.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to present the options and limitations of physiotherapy which must be overcome in the daily routine in the ICU.

RESULTS: The quality of therapeutic treatment of obese inpatients has shown a clear increase during the last 20 years; however, sufficient studies have not yet been carried out, international standards are not available and many therapists work differently with their patients. Additionally, the disease patterns of obesity consist of a large variety of different diseases.

CONCLUSION: Despite the many demanding problems obesity is by no means an unsolvable puzzle. A literature search of lectures, studies and scientific articles was carried out to elucidate which options in the form of resources and devices are available to physiotherapists.