ICU sedation, delirium & recovery
Long-Term Effects of the Association of Early Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation With Mobilization in Critically Ill Patients
Authors' conclusion
The application of early NMES in addition to an EM protocol, when initiated within the first 48 hours of ICU admission, resulted in better functional outcomes and quality of life for critically ill patients up to 6 months post-discharge.
Study context
- Population
- Mechanically ventilated critically ill patients, Hospital das Clínicas, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo
- Participants
- 74 participants
- Comparison
- Early mobilization (EM) + neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) vs EM alone, started within 48 h of ICU admission
Methodological detailssingle-centre, blinded
- Single-centre
- Blinded
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Functional status, independence and mobility (Barthel Index; ICU Mobility Scale) · 15 days, 30 days, 3 and 6 months after hospital discharge
- Significantly higher Barthel Index in EM + NMES vs EM at 15 and 30 days, 3 and 6 months
- p < 0.05
- Significantly higher ICU Mobility Scale in EM + NMES vs EM at 15 days, 3 and 6 months
- p < 0.05
Further findings
Quality of life · up to 6 months after hospital discharge
- Significantly improved in EM + NMES vs EM
- P < 0.05
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) scores
- No significant difference between groups
Original publication
Long-Term Effects of the Association of Early Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation With Mobilization in Critically Ill Patients. Crit Care Med. Published 19 September 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →