The role of neuromuscular electrical stimulation for rehabilitation in ICU acquired weakness

  • Martha Kurnia Kusumawardani Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Airlangga University / Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
  • Dewi Poerwandari Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Airlangga University / Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
  • Inggar Narasinta Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Airlangga University / Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
  • Hanik Badriyah Hidayati Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University / Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
  • Imam Subadi Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Airlangga University / Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
Keywords: Critical illness, Muscle strength, Post-ICU Rehabilitation, Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation, Physiotherapy

Abstract

Objective: To provide an overview of the muscle weakness development in intensive care units (ICU), summarize clinical trials on the role of neuromuscular electrical stimulation for muscle weakness rehabilitation in ICU and highlight recent strategies that may prevent or minimize this condition.
Methodology: Literature review.
Results: Some recent studies have shown that an increasing number of survivors of critical illness develop significant functional impairment; one of the common impairments being ICU acquired muscle weakness. Prolonged immobilization and mechanical ventilation likely contribute to the development of ICU-acquired weakness. Several novel therapeutic strategies have been used to overcome the impairment, including neuromuscular electrical stimulation. This neuromuscular electrical stimulation, a kind of physical therapy, is known to stimulate the nerves and thus increase muscle contraction. Conclusion: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for rehabilitation in ICU-related muscle weakness has shown some promise, but more efforts are needed to detect the development of ICU-acquired weakness as early as possible and rigorously evaluate novel rehabilitation interventions.
Abbreviations: ICU (Intensive Care Unit); ICU-Acquired Weakness (ICU-AW); CIP (Critical Illness Polyneuropathy); CIM (Critical Illness Myopathy), CIPM (Critical Illness Polyneuropathy and Myopathy)
Citation: Kusumawardani MK, Poerwandari D, Narasinta I, Hidayati HB, Subadi I. The role of neuromuscular electrical stimulation for rehabilitation in ICU acquired weakness. Anaesth Pain & Intensive Care 2018;22 Suppl 1:S164-S169

Published
11-08-2019
How to Cite
Kusumawardani, M. K., Poerwandari, D., Narasinta, I., Hidayati, H. B., & Subadi, I. (2019). The role of neuromuscular electrical stimulation for rehabilitation in ICU acquired weakness. Anaesthesia, Pain & Intensive Care, 22(1), S164-S169. https://doi.org/10.35975/apic.v22i1.1103
Section
Special Articles