This clinical study aims to compare the effects of conventional physical therapy alone versus conventional physical therapy combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in patients admitted to the ICU and undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either conventional physical therapy or the same therapy plus NMES applied to the lower limbs. The protocol includes muscle-specific stimulation parameters and safety criteria to postpone sessions in cases of clinical instability. The primary goal is to assess whether NMES improves muscle function and recovery in critically ill patients.
This randomized clinical trial will investigate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in critically ill patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: a control group receiving conventional physical therapy alone and an intervention group receiving conventional physical therapy combined with NMES. The control group will receive individualized conventional physical therapy, adjusted daily based on each patient's physiological status and following protocols supported by current literature. Interventions may include progressive mobility, such as bed exercises, rolling, sitting at the edge of the bed, standing, chair transfers, and ambulation, as well as respiratory physiotherapy techniques including bronchial hygiene, pulmonary re-expansion, and management of mechanical ventilation. Sessions will last approximately 20 minutes and continue throughout hospitalization, except in cases of clinical contraindications or refusal by the patient/family. The NMES group will receive the same conventional physical therapy described above, plus NMES applied once or twice daily to both lower limbs for up to 20 consecutive days or until hospital discharge, whichever comes first. Rectangular electrodes (90 × 50 mm) will be placed bilaterally on the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, tibialis anterior, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius muscles. If hair interferes with electrode adhesion, the area will be shaved. NMES will be delivered using the ReCARE® device (Visuri, MG, Brazil) with the following parameters: Frequency: 60 Hz Pulse duration: 500 µs Intensity: adjusted to produce visible muscle contractions during the first two days and, from day three onward, contractions sufficient to generate movement against gravity. Contraction (on) and relaxation (off) times and the number of contractions will be progressively adjusted according to the 20-day protocol: Days 1-2: On = 9s, Off = 27s, 16 contractions, 2x/day Days 3-6: On = 9s, Off = 25s, 26 contractions, 2x/day Days 6-9: On = 9s, Off = 22s, 60 contractions, 1x/day Days 10-15: On = 9s, Off = 20s, 70 contractions, 1x/day Days 16-20: On = 12s, Off = 15s, 70 contractions, 1x/day NMES sessions will be postponed if the participant exhibits any of the following clinical findings within three hours prior to the session: Acidosis (arterial pH \< 7.25 or venous pH \< 7.20) Hypotension or hypertension (mean arterial pressure \< 60 mmHg or \> 140 mmHg) Use of a single vasopressor at \>50% of the ICU maximum dose (e.g., dopamine \>12.5 µg/kg/min, phenylephrine \>2 µg/kg/min, vasopressin ≥0.02 U/min, norepinephrine \>1 µg/kg/min) Use of two vasopressors at ≥40% of the ICU maximum dose New diagnosis of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis without anticoagulation for more than 48 hours Other signs of physiological instability, including temperature \<34°C or \>41°C, lactate \>3.0 mmol/L, creatine kinase \>400 U/L, platelet count \<20,000/mm³, or suspected muscle inflammation (e.g., rhabdomyolysis, myositis, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or serotonin syndrome). This study aims to determine whether NMES, as an early adjunct therapy, can improve recovery and clinical outcomes in critically ill mechanically ventilated patients when combined with conventional physical therapy.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
150
Individualized physical therapy including progressive mobility (e.g., bed exercises, sitting on the edge of the bed, standing, transfers, and ambulation) and respiratory therapy tailored to the patient's clinical condition. Delivered daily by trained professionals.
NMES will be applied to both lower limbs once or twice daily for 20 consecutive days. Electrodes will be positioned on the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, tibialis anterior, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius muscles. The stimulation protocol includes progressive parameters to induce visible and effective muscle contractions.
Hospital Moinhos de Vento
Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
RECRUITINGMuscle strength assessed by the Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score at ICU discharge
Muscle strength will be evaluated by trained physiotherapists using the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, which grades muscle strength from 0 (no contraction) to 5 (normal strength) in key muscle groups, with a maximum total score of 60 points. Muscle weakness is defined as a score below 48 points. This scale provides a standardized method to evaluate muscular recovery during critical illness and hospitalization.
Time frame: Within 24 hours after ICU discharge
Rectus femoris muscle thickness measured by ultrasound at initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation
The thickness of the rectus femoris muscle will be measured in millimeters using ultrasound imaging performed by trained professionals, in order to assess muscle morphology.
Time frame: within 24 hours after enrollment
Rectus femoris pennation angle measured by ultrasound at initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation
The quadriceps muscle (specifically the rectus femoris) will be evaluated using ultrasound imaging by trained professionals. The pennation angle of the rectus femoris will be measured in degrees to assess muscle architecture.
Time frame: within 24 hours after enrollment
Rectus femoris pennation angle measured by ultrasound at sedation awakening
The quadriceps muscle (specifically the rectus femoris) will be evaluated using ultrasound imaging by trained professionals. The pennation angle (in degrees) will be measured. Assessments will be performed when sedation is reduced or stopped to the point that the patient can respond to at least three motor commands (e.g., blink eyes, look at the examiner, stick out tongue, shake head, or raise eyebrows), in order to assess muscle architecture at sedation awakening. Unit of Measure: degrees (°)
Time frame: Within 24 hours after awakening from sedation in the ICU
Rectus femoris muscle thickness measured by ultrasound at sedation awakening
The quadriceps muscle (specifically the rectus femoris) will be evaluated using ultrasound imaging by trained professionals. Muscle thickness (in millimeters) will be measured. Assessments will be performed when sedation is reduced or stopped to the point that the patient can respond to at least three motor commands (e.g., blink eyes, look at the examiner, stick out tongue, shake head, or raise eyebrows), in order to assess muscle morphology at sedation awakening. Unit of Measure: millimeters (mm)
Time frame: Within 24 hours after awakening from sedation in the ICU
Rectus femoris pennation angle measured by ultrasound at ICU discharge
The quadriceps muscle (specifically the rectus femoris) will be evaluated using ultrasound imaging by trained professionals. The pennation angle (in degrees) will be measured to assess muscle architecture. Each value will be recorded individually at ICU discharge. Unit of Measure: degrees (°)
Time frame: Within 24 hours after ICU discharge
Rectus femoris muscle thickness measured by ultrasound at ICU discharge
The quadriceps muscle (specifically the rectus femoris) will be evaluated using ultrasound imaging by trained professionals. Muscle thickness (in millimeters) will be measured to assess muscle morphology. Each value will be recorded individually at ICU discharge. Unit of Measure: millimeters (mm)
Time frame: Within 24 hours after ICU discharge
Rectus femoris pennation angle measured by ultrasound at hospital discharge
The quadriceps muscle (specifically the rectus femoris) will be evaluated using ultrasound imaging by trained professionals. The pennation angle (in degrees) will be measured to assess muscle architecture. Assessments will be performed at hospital discharge. Unit of Measure: degrees (°)
Time frame: From 48 hours to 0 hours before hospital discharge
Rectus femoris muscle thickness measured by ultrasound at hospital discharge
The quadriceps muscle (specifically the rectus femoris) will be evaluated using ultrasound imaging by trained professionals. Muscle thickness (in millimeters) will be measured to assess muscle morphology. Assessments will be performed at hospital discharge. Unit of Measure: millimeters (mm)
Time frame: From 48 hours to 0 hours before hospital discharge
Muscle strength assessed by the Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score at awakening from sedation
Muscle strength will be evaluated by trained physiotherapists using the Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score, which grades muscle strength from 0 (no contraction) to 5 (normal strength) in key muscle groups, with a maximum total score of 60 points. Muscle weakness is defined as a score below 48 points. Assessments will be performed when sedation is reduced or stopped so that the patient can respond to at least three motor commands (e.g., blink eyes, look at examiner, stick out tongue, shake head, raise eyebrows) to assess muscle strength at sedation awakening.
Time frame: Within 24 hours after awakening from sedation in the ICU
Muscle strength assessed by the Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score at hospital discharge
Muscle strength will be evaluated by trained physiotherapists using the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, which grades muscle strength from 0 (no contraction) to 5 (normal strength) in key muscle groups, with a maximum total score of 60 points. Muscle weakness is defined as a score below 48 points. Assessments will be performed at three time points: awakening from sedation, ICU discharge, and hospital discharge. This scale provides a standardized method to evaluate muscular recovery during critical illness and hospitalization.
Time frame: From 48 hours to 0 hours before hospital discharge
Handgrip strength measured at awakening from sedation in the ICU
Handgrip strength will be assessed using a handheld hydraulic dynamometer, which measures the maximum force the participant can apply by squeezing the device with their hand. The participant will remain seated with their feet flat on the floor and the arm positioned in a standardized manner to ensure measurement accuracy. Assessments will be performed when sedation is reduced or stopped so that the patient can respond to at least three motor commands (e.g., blink eyes, look at examiner, stick out tongue, shake head, raise eyebrows) to assess muscle.
Time frame: Within 24 hours after awakening from sedation in the ICU
Handgrip strength measured at ICU discharge
Handgrip strength will be assessed using a handheld hydraulic dynamometer, which measures the maximum force the participant can apply by squeezing the device with their hand. The participant will remain seated with their feet flat on the floor and the arm positioned in a standardized manner to ensure measurement accuracy.
Time frame: Within 24 hours after ICU discharge
Handgrip strength measured at hospital discharge
Handgrip strength will be assessed using a handheld hydraulic dynamometer, which measures the maximum force the participant can apply by squeezing the device with their hand. The participant will remain seated with their feet flat on the floor and the arm positioned in a standardized manner to ensure measurement accuracy.
Time frame: From 48 hours to 0 hours before hospital discharge
Isometric Knee Extension Strength Assessed at Awakening From Sedation in the ICU
Isometric knee extension strength will be assessed using a portable dynamometer. Participants will be seated with the knee at a 60-degree angle of flexion and instructed to push the leg forward against the device without moving the joint. This test measures the force generated by the quadriceps while the joint remains still. Assessments will be conducted by trained professionals using standardized procedures. Measurements will be performed when sedation is reduced or stopped so that the patient can respond to at least three motor commands (e.g., blink eyes, look at examiner, stick out tongue, shake head, raise eyebrows) to assess muscle strength at sedation awakening.
Time frame: Within 24 hours after awakening from sedation in the ICU
Isometric Knee Extension Strength Assessed at ICU Discharge
Isometric knee extension strength will be assessed using a portable dynamometer. The participant will be seated with the knee positioned at a 60 degree angle of flexion and instructed to push the leg forward against the device without moving the joint. This test measures the force the quadriceps can generate while the joint remains still. The assessment will be conducted by trained professionals using standardized procedures.
Time frame: Within 24 hours after ICU discharge
Isometric Knee Extension Strength Assessed at Hospital Discharge
Isometric knee extension strength will be assessed using a portable dynamometer. The participant will be seated with the knee positioned at a 60 degree angle of flexion and instructed to push the leg forward against the device without moving the joint. This test measures the force the quadriceps can generate while the joint remains still. The assessment will be conducted by trained professionals using standardized procedures.
Time frame: From 48 hours to 0 hours before hospital discharge
Functional capacity assessed by the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
The six-minute walk test (6MWT) will be conducted by trained physiotherapists to assess functional exercise capacity. The total distance walked in six minutes will be recorded following standardized procedures.
Time frame: From 48 hours to 0 hours before hospital discharge
Barthel Index Assessed at Study Enrollment
Functional independence will be evaluated using the Barthel Index, a questionnaire that measures a patient's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). At study enrollment, the questionnaire will be answered by the patient's family member or primary caregiver to provide a baseline assessment of the patient's functional status prior to ICU admission. The Barthel Index assesses independence in areas such as personal care, mobility, locomotion, and elimination. Each activity is scored based on the patient's level of independence, assistance needed, or dependence. Scores range from 0 to 100 in increments of five, with higher scores indicating greater functional independence.
Time frame: At baseline (study enrollment)
Barthel Index Assessed at Hospital Discharge
Functional independence will be evaluated using the Barthel Index, a questionnaire that measures a patient's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). The questionnaire assesses independence in areas such as personal care, mobility, locomotion, and elimination. Each activity is scored based on the patient's level of independence, assistance needed, or dependence. Scores range from 0 to 100 in increments of five, with higher scores indicating greater functional independence.
Time frame: From 48 hours to 0 hours before hospital discharge
Barthel Index Assessed at 6 Months Post Hospital Discharge
Functional independence will be evaluated using the Barthel Index, a questionnaire that measures a patient's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). At 6 months post hospital discharge, the patient will be contacted by telephone to complete the questionnaire. The Barthel Index assesses independence in areas such as personal care, mobility, locomotion, and elimination. Each activity is scored based on the patient's level of independence, assistance needed, or dependence. Scores range from 0 to 100 in increments of five, with higher scores indicating greater functional independence.
Time frame: 6 months after hospital discharge
Duration of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV)
The duration of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) will be measured from the initiation of IMV until the day of extubation. This duration will be verified and confirmed through review of the patient's medical records.
Time frame: Within 24 hours after ICU discharge
Ventilator-free days
The number of days during which the patient was alive and free from invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) during the ICU stay. This information will be collected from the patient's medical records at hospital discharge.
Time frame: Within 24 hours after ICU discharge
Length of stay in ICU and hospital
The total number of days the patient remains admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the hospital during their treatment period. This includes the time from ICU admission until discharge from the hospital. This information will be collected from the patient's medical records at hospital discharge.
Time frame: Within 24 hours after hospital discharge
Mortality
The number of deaths occurring among study participants during the hospital stay and within six months after hospital discharge.
Time frame: From hospital admission until death or up to 180 days (6 months) after hospital discharge, whichever occurs first
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