The Application of Micromovement to Prevent Pressure Injury in Patients on Mechanical Ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Pressure injuries are a common complication among mechanically ventilated ICU patients because prolonged immobilization and impaired tissue perfusion make the skin highly susceptible to damage. Conventional repositioning may destabilize critically ill patients, creating interest in gentler alternatives such as micromovement. The objective of this case report was to describe the application of micromovement repositioning in a mechanically ventilated ICU patient and to observe its effects on skin integrity, Braden Scale scores, and hemodynamic stability. A 67‑year‑old male with pneumonia, NSTEMI, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus underwent hourly 15° lateral tilting for three days, accompanied by daily assessments of sacral skin condition, PI risk, and hemodynamic parameters. The sacral lesion remained stable without enlargement or tissue loss, skin moisture was preserved, and the Braden Scale score improved from 10 to 12. Hemodynamic parameters stayed within normal limits throughout the intervention, indicating good tolerance. In conclusion, micromovement helped maintain skin integrity and did not cause physiological instability, suggesting its potential as a safe complementary strategy for pressure injury prevention in critically ill patients.

Keywords: micromovement; pressure injury; intensive care unit; mechanical ventilation; Braden Scale; skin integrity