Objective: To explore the trajectory of physical function recovery and the significant risk factors for acute respiratory failure survivors, and provide reference for the formulation of targeted nursing strategies. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted for the data of randomized controlled clinical trials involving the patients with acute respiratory failure in Beijing Luhe Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University. The general data, clinical data, and physical function follow-up data of 298 patients recorded from October 2016 to November 2020 were collected to analyze the trajectory of physical function recovery and the significant risk factors for the acute respiratory failure survivors in different track groups. On this basis, the targeted nursing strategies were developed. Results: Among these 298 patients with acute respiratory failure, 41 died and 257 survived. The survivors of acute respiratory failure underwent a simple physical ability test (Short Physical Performance Battery, SPPB) at the time of discharge and follow-up visit made 2, 4 and 6 months later, scoring 4.75±0.72 (low function), 8.71±0.65 (medium function), 8.92±0.71 (medium function) and 9.03±0.70 (medium function), respectively. According to the results of logistic multivariate regression analysis, age, gender, the duration of hospitalization in ICU, and time of intravenous sedation were independent risk factors for the trajectory of physical function recovery of those acute respiratory failure survivors. Conclusion: There are 4 different trajectories of physical function recovery of the acute respiratory failure survivors, and the major risk factors include age, gender, the duration of hospitalization in ICU, and time of intravenous sedation. It is thus necessary to identify those patients with higher risk and formulate the personalized measures of preventative and nursing for them.