Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Intensive care unit-acquired muscle weakness (ICUAMW) is a common problem following an ICU admission and is associated with prolonged hospitalization, delayed weaning and increased mortality. Up to 25% of patients requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) for greater than 7 days develop ICUAW, and this figure may rise to 50-100% in the septic population. Long-term follow-up studies of survivors of critical illness have demonstrated significantly impaired health-related quality of life and physical functioning up to 5 years after ICU discharge, with weakness being the most commonly reported physical limitation. Early rehabilitation has been shown to be safe and feasible; however, commencement is often delayed due to a patient's inability to cooperate. An intervention that begins early in ICU admission without the need for patient volition may be beneficial in attenuating muscle wasting. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and early physical activity on ICU acquired muscle weakness in mechanically ventilated patient