Physical mobility

The ability to move in one’s environment with ease and without restriction. Impaired physical mobility thus is defined as the state in which an individual has a limitation in independent, purposeful physical movement of the body or of one or more extremities. Related factors arising from within the person include pain or fear of discomfort, anxiety or depression, and physical limitations due to neuromuscular or musculoskeletal impairment. External factors include enforced rest for therapeutic purposes, as in the case of immobilization of a fractured limb. The human body is designed for motion; hence, any restriction of movement will take its toll on every major anatomic system.

Source: Herrera-Escobar JP, Osman SY, Das S, Toppo A, Orlas CP, Castillo-Angeles M, Rosario A, Janjua MB, Arain MA, Reidy E, Jarman MP, Nehra D, Price MA, Bulger EM, Haider AH; National Trauma Research Action Plan (NTRAP) Investigators Group. Long-term patient-reported outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures after injury: the National Trauma Research Action Plan (NTRAP) scoping review. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2021 May 1;90(5):891-900.