Objective To retrieve, evaluate and summarize best evidence on alternatives to physical restraint in ICU patients, and to provide reference for reducing restraint use. Methods Related websites and electronic databases were searched from inception to January 2019 to collect guidelines, evidence summary, best practice, expert consensus, recommended practice, and systematic review regarding physical restraint use in ICU. Results Four guidelines, 1 best practice information sheet, and 1 expert consensus were included. Five categories including patient management, equipment management, prevention of falls from bed, environmental control, and establishment of nurse-patient relationship, totaling to 13 items, were summarized as best evidence. Conclusion Use of restraint alternatives plays an important role in reducing restraint use. It is suggested that nurses should consider multidisciplinary team′s advices, patient′s cultural background, clinical situation and domestic policies when applying evidence, thus to provide personalized physical restraint, reduce restraint use and ensure patient safety.