Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in ICU Patients

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) combined with conventional physiotherapy (Experimental Group), compared to conventional physiotherapy only (Control Group) in critically ill Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients, by means of a randomized controlled clinical trial. The investigators expect that the NMES program will be able to reduce muscle structure and function losses compared to control group, and will improve muscle quality faster, will reduce the ventilation time and the total time spent at the ICU, as well as improve functionality of these patients. In addition, the researchers expect to understand which mechanisms determine such adaptations in the musculoskeletal system of these patients.