Getinge Group announced that it has expanded its portfolio of patient mobility products in the United States to include the Total Lift Bed™ from VitalGo Systems. Getinge Group's ArjoHuntleigh brand is the exclusive U.S. distributor of the Total Lift Bed in the acute and long-term acute care settings. This specialized hospital bed can raise critically ill, immobile patients from lying down to a full standing position, assisting in early mobility and weight bearing, which are associated with improved patient outcomes. Clinical research has shown that, in critically ill patients, prolonged bed rest and immobility can lead to severe physical deconditioning, significant muscle loss and weakness, and reduced functional outcomes. This can result in extended time spent in both the ICU and the hospital.[vi] Because of the long-term physical and psychological consequences of prolonged immobility, early standing and weight bearing is recommended for ICU patients. Early activity and mobilization of critically ill patients have been shown to improve quality of life and physical function and reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation.