Understanding muscle recovery in ICU survivors

Cellular and Physical Function Outcomes Leading to Failed Muscle Recovery After Critical Illness

Observational University of Kentucky · NCT05537298

This study looks at how well muscle function and physical abilities recover in people who have survived serious illnesses and spent time in the ICU.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment209 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexMale
SponsorUniversity of Kentucky Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05537298 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to track the recovery of muscle function and physical capabilities in patients who have survived critical illnesses, particularly those who experienced ICU-acquired weakness. It will involve longitudinal assessments to evaluate physical recovery and identify cellular markers that may influence muscle recovery and contribute to long-term disability. By examining the relationship between muscle pathophysiology and physical function outcomes, the study seeks to fill knowledge gaps regarding recovery after critical illness.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 who were admitted to the ICU for sepsis or acute respiratory failure and stayed for at least 72 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with acute or chronic neurological or orthopedic conditions that prevent strength testing, or those who were not ambulatory prior to ICU admission, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies for ICU survivors, enhancing their recovery and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research in this area, this specific approach to understanding muscle recovery in ICU survivors is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* adult (\>18 y/o)
* admission for sepsis or acute respiratory failure with at least 72 hour stay in ICU

Exclusion Criteria:

* acute or chronic neurologic condition
* acute or chronic orthopedic condition preventing strength/functional testing
* patients who were not ambulatory prior to ICU admission
* patients not expected to survive \~6months after admission

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama and 2 other locations

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 ICU Acquired WeaknessPost Intensive Care Unit SyndromeMuscle WeaknessCritical Illnessskeletal musclephysical function
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.