Effects of NMES in Critically Ill Patients

Muscle wasting occurred early and rapidly in critically ill patients. Early therapeutic strategies to either maintain muscle structure and function should be encouraged. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is an attractive intervention to maintain muscle mass and strength in critically ill patients during the first week of ICU stay. This study will test the hypothesis that the number of contraction per day evoked by NMES in the first two weeks of illness may influence in muscle wasting, with beneficial effects on the physical and functional status in mechanically ventilated patients.