Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Critically Ill Patients Aged 80 and Over

Launched by UNIVERSIDAD DE LA FRONTERA · Aug 13, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether adding a special type of muscle stimulation, called Medium-Frequency Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation, to the usual physical therapy can help protect muscle strength and function in very elderly patients (aged 80 and over) who are critically ill and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The goal is to see if this treatment helps reduce muscle loss, improve strength, and maintain daily functioning during their hospital stay, while also checking that the treatment is safe for these patients.

To take part, patients need to be 80 years or older, admitted to the ICU at Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena Hospital in Temuco, Chile, and expected to need a breathing machine for more than 72 hours. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive standard physical therapy alone or standard therapy plus the electrical muscle stimulation, which will start within 48 hours of ICU admission. Throughout their hospital stay, the study will measure muscle size, strength, breathing muscle ability, overall physical function, independence in daily activities, quality of life, thinking skills, and frailty. This research could help improve care and recovery for very old patients facing serious illnesses in the ICU.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • People aged 80 years or older.
• • Hospitalized in the Adult Critical Care Unit of Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena Hospital in Temuco.
• • Estimated mechanical ventilation time greater than 72 hours.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with prior neurological complications.
• • Patients with severe dependence prior to admission.
• • Patients with difficult-to-manage hemodynamic instability.
• • Patients with accessory elements that limit assessment.
• • Patients with lower limb amputation.
• • Patients in the prone position.
• • Patients with loss of skin integrity.
• • Patients expected to remain in the unit for less than 72 hours.
• • Patients transferred from other services with a stay of more than 72 hours.