Immobility Syndrome – Consequences of Lower Limb Unloading. A Systematic Literature Review

Prolonged Immobility Syndrome (PIS) is characterized by a set of multisystemic alterations arising from the absence of mechanical load on the lower limbs.This article presents a systematic review of the literature published between 2013 and 2023, sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.The descriptors employed were: "immobility syndrome", "sarcopenia", "osteopenia", "lower limbs", and "mechanotransduction", using the Boolean operators AND/OR.Studies written in English or Portuguese, with full-text availability and peer review, were included.The objective was to synthesize current knowledge regarding the pathophysiological consequences of immobility, with emphasis on the deprivation of load-bearing in the lower limbs and its impact on the musculoskeletal, nervous, and vascular systems.Findings suggest a strong interdependence between plantar support functions and systemic health, with direct implications for the rehabilitation of bedridden individuals.The evidence underscores the pivotal role of the foot as both a structural support element and a source of sensory afference, which contributes significantly to postural and functional homeostasis.The data reinforce the relevance of early interventions that simulate or restore plantar load, aiming to prevent complications and promote effective functional recovery.