Using electrical stimulation to improve exercise capacity in critically ill respiratory patients

Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Exercise Capacity in Respiratory Critically Ill Patients

Not applicable Interventional Hospital Clinic of Barcelona · NCT03083652

This study is testing if using electrical stimulation along with regular physiotherapy can help critically ill patients with respiratory issues exercise better while they are in the ICU.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospital Clinic of Barcelona Academic / other
Locations1 site (Barcelona)
Trial IDNCT03083652 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) combined with conventional physiotherapy on exercise capacity in critically ill patients with respiratory diseases. The study involves a randomized, controlled, double-blind design where participants will receive either NMES or a sham treatment during their stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). The primary focus is on patients who are on mechanical ventilation for more than 72 hours, assessing their muscle strength and functional capacity. Measurements will include demographic data, body composition, and functional capacity before admission.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old diagnosed with acute or acute on chronic respiratory diseases requiring mechanical ventilation for more than 72 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing neuromuscular diseases or those experiencing severe respiratory or hemodynamic instability may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance recovery and muscle function in critically ill patients, potentially reducing long-term disability.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with neuromuscular electrical stimulation in similar patient populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis at admission: acute or acute on chronic respiratory disease
* Mechanical ventilation \> 72h at inclusion
* Expected mechanical ventilation \> 24h
* Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients re-admitted to ICU (no hospital discharge)
* Exitus or transfer to another service/hospital
* Respiratory instability \[Inspired fraction of oxygen (FIO2) \>60% or positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) \>10 cmH2O\] and/or hemodynamic instability \[Mean arterial pressure ( MAP)\<60mmHg although vasoactive drugs\] during \> 24h.
* Pregnancy
* Neuromuscular disease before admission
* Skin lesions
* Limitation of therapeutic effort
* Mental and/or physical limitation to understand/realize tests for evaluation

Where this trial is running

Barcelona

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 Illness Myopathyphysiotherapyneuromuscular electrical stimulationexercise capacity
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.