Combining muscle activation and high-protein nutrition to improve muscle health in ICU patients

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of early enteral high-protein nutrition combined with early muscle activation on muscle atrophy in critically ill patients suffering from ICU Acquired Weakness (ICUAW). It will enroll 40 patients who require enteral nutrition and will be divided into two groups: one receiving enhanced protein intake and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) alongside mobilization, and the other receiving standard care. The aim is to assess whether this combined approach can mitigate muscle atrophy and improve patient outcomes during and after their ICU stay.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* critically ill adults (≥ 18 years of age)
* newly admitted to the ICU (\<48h)
* mechanically ventilated, expected to remain for at least 72h
* enteral nutrition is feasible

Exclusion Criteria:

* a BMI \> 30
* expected death or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments
* prior neuromuscular disease (e.g. paresis, myopathies, neuropathies)
* injury or disease preventing neuromuscular electrical stimulation or early mobilization (e.g., elevated intracranial pressure, unstable spine)
* a pacemaker or other electronic implant
* allergy to components of NMES adhesive
* have been dependent during activities of daily living prior to the hospital admission
* a language barrier

Where it's running

• Medical University of Vienna
  Vienna, State of Vienna, Austria Recruiting
• Universitätsklinikum Ulm
  Ulm, Germany Recruiting
• Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical Universtity of Munich
  Munich, Bavaria, Germany Active not recruiting
• Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
  Berlin, State of Berlin, Germany Active not recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Stefan J Schaller, MD — Medical University of Vienna & Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Study coordinator: Stefan J Schaller, MD
• Email: s.schaller@tum.de
• Phone: +498941409635

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Protein boost during the luteal phase to help protect muscle

  This study tests whether increasing daily protein intake by 12% during the luteal phase can help prevent muscle breakdown in premenopausal women aged 18–35.

  Recruiting Sam Houston State University · Conroe, Texas and 1 other locations · NCT07843095

• Can a handheld nerve monitor detect early ICU weakness in healthy people and ICU patients

  This study tests whether a non-invasive nerve monitor (TetraGraph) can spot early signs of ICU-acquired weakness by comparing its readings with standard nerve tests in healthy volunteers and ICU patients.

  Recruiting Endeavor Health · Evanston, Illinois · NCT07699562

• MyokinE100 System: Closed Loop Electrical Muscle Stimulation to Help ICU Patients Maintain Muscle Strength

  This trial tests whether adding daily 60-minute thigh electrical muscle stimulation to standard ICU care is safe and easy for adults with sepsis or critical illness to see if it slows ICU-acquired muscle weakness.

  Recruiting at 3 sites Health Discovery Labs · Rochester, Minnesota and 2 other locations · NCT07362862

• ICU‑Recover Box 2.0: smart home monitoring for people after an ICU stay.

  This pilot tests whether a home ICU‑Recover Box with smart sensors can help people recovering from an ICU stay detect problems early and support recovery during the year after discharge.

  Recruiting Leiden University Medical Center · Leiden, South Holland · NCT07162948

• Sitting ventilated ICU patients in an armchair to improve recovery.

  This test will try sitting adults on mechanical ventilation in an armchair to see if it helps their breathing, strength, and recovery after an ICU stay.

  Recruiting at 8 sites Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans · Orléans, Centre-Val de Loire and 10 other locations · NCT06973746

• Postoperative NMES on both thighs with protein during abdominal cancer surgery

  This study tests whether neuromuscular electrical stimulation of both thighs after major abdominal cancer surgery helps preserve leg muscle, and whether adding protein drinks improves the effect.

  Recruiting University of Nottingham · Derby, Derbyshire · NCT06964438

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.