Assessing muscle strength and thickness in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation

Correlation Between Muscle Strength and Thickness in Critically Ill Patients: an Observational Prospective Study

Observational Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico · NCT06289244

This study is testing how muscle thickness and strength change in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation to see if these measurements can help understand their recovery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Academic / other
Locations1 site (Milan)
Trial IDNCT06289244 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the relationship between muscle thickness and strength in critically ill patients who are undergoing prolonged mechanical ventilation in the ICU. Using bedside ultrasound, the study will measure the thickness of the diaphragm and quadriceps muscles at multiple time points during the patients' ICU stay. Muscle strength will be assessed using the Medical Research Council Score and a dynamometer for precise measurements. The study seeks to understand the variations in muscle thickness and strength in response to extended mechanical ventilation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are critically ill patients aged 18 and older who are intubated and on mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to assessment, such as acute bleeding or preexisting neuromuscular diseases, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into muscle preservation strategies for critically ill patients, potentially improving their recovery outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is observational, similar studies assessing muscle strength and thickness in critically ill patients have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years;
* Intubated patients on mechanical ventilation presumably for 48 hours;
* Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication (absolute or relative) to assessment: acute bleeding, multiple fractures or trauma, spinal instability;
* Hemodynamic instability during assessment;
* ICU admission due to thoracic surgery, including lung transplant patients;
* History of preexisting neuromuscular diseases;
* History of preexisting functional impairment;
* Pheripheral Neural disease;
* Cervical spine injury;

Where this trial is running

Milan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Critical IllnessMuscle WeaknessIntensive Care UnitsRespiration, ArtificialLimb Muscle AssessmentDiaphragm thicknessRespiratory Distress Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.