Understanding muscle recovery in ICU survivors
Official title: Cellular and Physical Function Outcomes Leading to Failed Muscle Recovery After Critical Illness/Muscle and Physical Functional Recovery After Acute Critical Illness
Run by University of Kentucky · NCT05537298 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 209 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Kentucky Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 18, 2022 |
| Main results expected | July 2, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05537298 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: While there is ongoing research in this area, this specific approach to understanding muscle recovery in ICU survivors is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
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: * patients who were not ambulatory prior to ICU admission * experienced \>2 ICU admissions in the past year (chronic or recurrent critical illness due to the same or different reason * patients not expected to survive \~6months after admission * acute or chronic neurologic condition * acute or chronic orthopedic condition preventing strength/functional testing * morbid obesity \>50 kg/m2 due to distortion of muscle ultrasonography
Where it's running
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky, United States Recruiting -
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States Active not recruiting -
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States Active not recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kirby P Mayer, PhD
- Email: kpmaye2@uky.edu
- Phone: 859-218-0596
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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.
-
Evaluating muscle weakness in ICU survivors through exercise testing
This study is trying to see how problems with blood flow after being in the ICU affect the strength and exercise ability of patients who survived serious illnesses like sepsis and shock.
-
Improving ICU care through behavioral strategies
This study is testing two strategies to help ICU staff use better practices for caring for critically ill adults, especially those facing health challenges, to see if it can improve patient recovery and reduce complications.
-
Optimized nutritional therapy with early physiotherapy for long-stay ICU patients
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.
-
Mobile health program for rehabilitation after COVID-19
This study is testing a mobile health program that uses high intensity exercise to help 120 patients recover better after being seriously ill with COVID-19.
-
Study on muscle weakness after surgery in intensive care patients
This study is testing if changes in blood and muscle samples from surgical patients can help us understand and find markers for muscle weakness that happens after being in intensive care.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.