No outcomes evaluated the effect on participation restrictions .
NMES , as an adjunct to current rehabilitation practice s in critically ill patients , may maintain muscle strength .
OBJECTIVE To review , in conformance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review s and Meta-Analyses guidelines , the totality of evidence for the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation ( NMES ) in the critical care setting , when compared with usual care , under all domains of the World Health Organisation , International Classification of Functioning , Disability and Health ( ICF ) framework .
Effects of electrical muscle stimulation early in the quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscle of critically ill patients
Abstract Background : Electrical muscle stimulation ( EMS ) is applied to critically ill patients in order to improve their muscle strength , thereby preventing hypotrophy and promoting functional recovery . Objective : To assess the effects of early EMS on the range of movement of the ankle joint , and on thigh and leg circumference in critically ill patients . Methods : This is a prospect i ve r and omized clinical trial comprising 11 patients undergoing mechanical ventilation . Before and after EMS the thigh and leg circumference in both lower limbs and the goniometry of the tibiotarsal joint were measured . The angle of 90 ° on the goniometer was taken as the st and ard neutral position ( NP ) , with the arm fixed on the lateral malleolus of the ankle joint . Other measurements , namely dorsiflexion and plantar flexion , referred to as mobile arm , were taken from the NP . These recordings were obtained following an active contraction of the patients ’ muscles . Results : Compared with the electrostimulated limb , a difference in dorsiflexion of the control limb was observed ( 96.2 ± 24.9 versus 119.9 ± 14.1 ° ; p = 0.01 ) . A girth of 10 cm of the leg was found in limb reduction when compared to the electrostimulated one ( 24.7 ± 3.1 versus 26.4 ± 4.0 cm ; p = 0.03 ) . Conclusions : EMS used at low current intensity and for a short duration failed to prevent muscle atrophy in critically ill patients . However , we did find a significant improvement in active dorsiflexion of the ankle joint suggesting that it could help to prevent against stance plantar flexion in these patients
No outcomes evaluated the effect on participation restrictions .
NMES , as an adjunct to current rehabilitation practice s in critically ill patients , may maintain muscle strength .
OBJECTIVE To review , in conformance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review s and Meta-Analyses guidelines , the totality of evidence for the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation ( NMES ) in the critical care setting , when compared with usual care , under all domains of the World Health Organisation , International Classification of Functioning , Disability and Health ( ICF ) framework .