Using magnetic stimulation to improve muscle function in critically ill patients
Transcutaneous Functional Magnetic Muscle Stimulation in Critically Ill
This study tests whether using magnetic stimulation can help critically ill patients strengthen their muscles and recover faster while in the ICU.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | General and Teaching Hospital Celje Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Celje) |
| Trial ID | NCT06368908 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the use of transcutaneous functional magnetic muscle stimulation to prevent muscle weakness in critically ill patients, particularly those suffering from ICU-acquired weakness. The intervention targets the quadriceps muscle via the femoral nerve to stimulate muscle contractions and improve strength. By applying this painless method, the study aims to reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation and enhance recovery outcomes for patients in intensive care. The approach is based on previous findings that magnetic stimulation can prevent muscle atrophy and improve quality of life in other patient populations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are critically ill patients who have been in the ICU for 2 to 3 days and are expected to remain there for at least 10 days.
Not a fit: Patients under 18, those with certain medical conditions or treatments that contraindicate participation, and those with a very short expected survival may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance muscle recovery and reduce the long-term impacts of ICU-acquired weakness in critically ill patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with magnetic stimulation in other patient populations, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * consecutive critically ill patients, already after 2 to 3 days of treatment in the ICU, whose treatment is expected to require at least 10 days in the intensive care unit. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients under 18 years of age * Patients with implanted electrical devices affected by magnetic fields * Patients with expected survival of less than 5 days * Pregnant women * Patients with bone and tissue injuries in the legs where standard physiotherapy cannot be performed * Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids (equivalent to \>300 mg hydrocortisone per day) * Patients receiving muscle relaxants * Patients whose relatives/caregivers do not provide written consent for participation in the study * Patients with extreme obesity (BMI over 35 kg/m2) or cachexia (BMI less than 20 kg/m2 or loss of 5% Body weight over 12 months): * Patients with brain death * Patients who do not consent to participate in the study
Where this trial is running
Celje
- General Hospital Celje — Celje, Slovenia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Matej Podbregar, MD PhD
- Email: matej.podbregar@guest.arnes.si
- Phone: +3864021560
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.