Randomisation and blinding
BLIND
Participants who met the specified inclusion and exclusion criteria were assigned to one of four groups (RT group, HMB group, combination group, or control group receiving standard care) in a 1:1:1:1 ratio using a computer-generated random sequence. To ensure allocation concealment, each centre prepared sequentially coded, sealed, and opaque envelopes containing random numbers. Stratification was applied based on whether the participants received mechanical ventilation. The random sequence for each site was only accessible to the coordinator, ensuring blinding of physicians and study personnel regarding the hypothesis, group assignment, specific intervention protocols, and study endpoints. However, they were aware that a physical function intervention study was imminent.Due to the inherent nature of RT and HMB, it was not possible to blind patients, families, or ICU clinicians in this study. However, to minimise bias, outcome assessments were performed by assessors and statisticians who were blinded to the study groups.