Table 1

Study exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteriaJustification
Irreversible disorders with 6-month mortality estimated at greater than 50%Incomplete outcome data
Rapidly developing neuromuscular diseaseIncomplete study procedures
Cardiopulmonary arrestUnable to ensure future independent mobility
Brain injury with Glasgow Motor Score <5Unable to ensure future independent mobility
Elevated intracranial pressureIntervention contraindicated
Rupture/leaking aortic aneurysmIntervention contraindicated
Acute myocardial infarction before peak troponin has been reachedIntervention contraindicated
Absent lower extremitiesIncomplete study procedures
Unstable fracturesIntervention contraindicated
Prolonged hospitalisation >5 days at enrolment hospital or at an outside hospitalPotential confounding factors
Pregnancy (women 18–55 years old)Intervention contraindicated
Enrolment in another clinical trialPotential confounding factors