Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation of Lower Limbs in Patients Undergoing Invasive Mechanical Ventilation: Randomized Clinical Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) combined with conventional physical therapy in critically ill patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU). This randomized clinical trial aims to compare muscle function and recovery between patients receiving only physical therapy and those receiving physical therapy plus NMES. The study focuses on whether NMES can improve muscle strength and clinical outcomes in these patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving individualized conventional physical therapy, including mobility and respiratory exercises, or an intervention group receiving the same physical therapy plus NMES applied to both lower limbs. NMES will be delivered once daily for up to 14 days or until hospital discharge, using electrodes placed on specific leg muscles and progressive stimulation parameters to induce effective muscle contractions. Safety criteria are in place to postpone NMES sessions if clinical instability is detected. During the study, participants will undergo regular assessments of muscle strength using the Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score at ICU discharge and other time points, along with ultrasound measurements of muscle thickness and pennation angle. Additional evaluations include handgrip strength, knee extension strength, functional capacity by the Six-Minute Walk Test, and monitoring of ventilation duration and hospital stay. The study will continue through hospitalization with follow-up assessments up to six months after discharge to monitor recovery and outcomes.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in a Patient on Invasive Mechanical Ventilation (MOVCARE)