Abstract Introduction: Mobilization is an effective therapy to combat the deleterious effects of immobility, but not all patients are in a condition to be moved; thus, knowledge about contraindication criteria is fundamental. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of physiotherapists working in adult ICUs on contraindications to the mobilization of critical patients. Method: This was a cross-sectional study in which a survey was applied to physiotherapists working in an adult ICU in the city of Recife. Results: Out of the 36 criteria presented, only five were considered contraindication criteria. Clinical parameters were those that obtained higher frequency for not being considered criteria for contraindication, nor were there observed differences in the relation between the time of working in the ICU. Conclusion: Most physiotherapists did not consider the criteria presented as contraindications to mobilization, so that professional training in mobilization practices and the creation of protocols are necessary.