Optimized nutritional therapy with early physiotherapy for long-stay ICU patients
Optimised Nutritional Therapy and Early Physiotherapy in Long Term ICU Patients: a Randomized Controlled Study (NutriPhyT Trial)
This program tests whether better-tailored nutrition combined with early physiotherapy helps adults on ventilators who are expected to stay in the ICU seven days or more leave the hospital with stronger muscles.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 164 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Geneva Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Geneva, Canton of Geneva) |
| Trial ID | NCT05865314 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Conducted at the Geneva University Hospital adult ICU, the study compares an optimized nutritional protocol plus early in-ICU and post-ICU mobilization to standard care for patients hospitalized seven days or longer. Eligible adults are mechanically ventilated and require enteral or parenteral nutrition, while patients with preexisting neuromuscular deficits or those unable to complete follow-up are excluded. The multidisciplinary intervention focuses on individualized caloric and protein targets, close monitoring of nutrition delivery, and progressive physiotherapy starting during the ICU stay and continuing after discharge. The primary outcome is muscle function at hospital discharge, with additional measures of functional status and rehabilitation needs.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18) in the Geneva adult ICU who are mechanically ventilated, expected to remain in the ICU for at least seven days, and require enteral or parenteral nutrition are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Patients with new or preexisting neuromuscular disorders, spinal cord injury, severe lower-limb trauma, non-independent ambulation before ICU admission, pregnant or breastfeeding patients, or those who cannot complete follow-up (transferred abroad, nursing-home residents, incarcerated, or with cognitive/language barriers) are excluded and unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combined approach could help patients regain muscle strength faster and reduce long-term disability after prolonged ICU stays.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown benefits of early mobilization and adequate nutrition separately, but the combined optimization of nutrition and mobilization specifically in long-stay ICU patients is less well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Any patient admitted to the adult ICU : * ≥18 years old * On mechanical ventilation with an expected length of stay ≥ 7 days * Requiring artificial nutrition (enteral and/or parenteral nutrition) Exclusion Criteria: Therapeutic withdrawal Pregnant or breastfeeding patients Neurological disorders with motor deficits: * New or pre-existing neuromuscular or nervous system disease * Spinal cord injury Severe polytrauma of the lower limbs (amputation etc.) Non-independent ambulation (including walking aids) before ICU admission For organizational reasons not allowing follow-up : * Transfer to another ICU * Patient living abroad from Switzerland * Patient living in nursing homes preceding to ICU admission * Incarcerated patients * Intellectual/cognitive disabilities or language barrier, limiting ability to follow the instructions
Where this trial is running
Geneva, Canton of Geneva
- Service of Intensive Care, Geneva University Hospital, — Geneva, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Claudia Heidegger, MD — University Hospital, Geneva
- Study coordinator: Claudia Heidegger, MD
- Email: claudia.heidegger@hcuge.ch
- Phone: + 41 22 37 27 440
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.