Welcome to another installment of the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest!

Each post always includes a link to the original study, often with full PDFs—perfect for your research collection.

Today, we explore fascinating research from prestigious universities and medical centers worldwide, focusing on the potential of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (Neuromuscular ES) to aid recovery in ICU patients, particularly those with COVID-19.

This cutting-edge research sheds light on how Neuromuscular ES can prevent muscle wasting, improve strength, and assist in rehabilitation.

Who Conducted This Study and Why Does It Matter?
This study was a collaboration between renowned institutions across the globe, including:

• Bournemouth University (UK): Established in 1992, this university is home to the Orthopaedic Research Institute (ORI), which specializes in musculoskeletal research and rehabilitation technologies. ORI is known for its innovations in integrating Neuromuscular ES into critical care.
  Why is it prestigious? Bournemouth University is consistently ranked among the top young universities globally and has received accolades for its impactful healthcare research.

• University of Maryland, School of Medicine (USA): Founded in 1807, this is one of the oldest public medical schools in the U.S., renowned for its Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science.
  Why is it prestigious? It leads groundbreaking research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), often setting global standards for medical treatments.

• National Clinical FES Centre, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust (UK): Established in the 1980s, this center is a world leader in Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) research and applications.
  Why is it prestigious? It works directly with the UK's healthcare system to implement advanced rehabilitation technologies, shaping global standards.

• Saveetha Engineering College, Chennai (India): Established in 2001, this institution excels in biomedical engineering and healthcare innovation.
  Why is it prestigious? It integrates engineering expertise into medical research, contributing to the development of cutting-edge devices like Neuromuscular ES systems.

• Liverpool John Moores University (UK): With roots dating back to 1823, this university's School of Sport and Exercise Science is globally recognized.
  Why is it prestigious? Frequently ranked among the top for sports science research, it has been instrumental in applying Neuromuscular ES for both athletic and medical rehabilitation.

These institutions collaborated to investigate Neuromuscular ES, emphasizing its ability to support patients who cannot engage in traditional physical therapy due to critical illness.

Who Were the Participants in This Study?
The study included adults admitted to ICUs, primarily those recovering from severe COVID-19 complications. These participants faced challenges such as:

• ICU-Acquired Weakness (ICUAW): This condition affects 20–50% of ICU patients, leading to severe muscle atrophy and prolonged recovery.
• Prolonged Ventilation: Many participants required mechanical ventilation for extended periods, making active rehabilitation impossible.

Participants were selected based on their need for intensive rehabilitation due to muscle loss, fatigue, and other long-term complications. They represented a wide range of ages and health conditions, with the average participant being 58 years old.

What Did the Research Find About Neuromuscular ES?
The findings from this research demonstrate the powerful potential of Neuromuscular ES:

1. Prevents Muscle Wasting: Patients receiving Neuromuscular ES showed slower muscle volume loss. In one study, muscle loss was reduced by 40%.
2. Improves Recovery: Neuromuscular ES helped reduce ICU stays and ventilation times. For example, one study saw ventilation duration drop from a median of 34 days to just 11 days with Neuromuscular ES.
3. Boosts Circulation: Neuromuscular ES increased blood flow, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and edema, which are common in ICU patients.

These findings suggest that Neuromuscular ES is a promising tool for addressing ICU-acquired weakness, especially when early rehabilitation is critical.

Specific Evidence

• Muscle Strength: Studies showed a significant improvement in muscle strength using Neuromuscular ES, with a 1.78 mean difference on strength scales.
• Muscle Volume: Neuromuscular ES slowed muscle loss during ICU stays (10.4% reduction with Neuromuscular ES vs. 17.7% without).
• Ventilator Weaning: Patients receiving Neuromuscular ES were weaned off ventilators faster (median of 6.5 days vs. 34 days in control groups).
• Blood Clots: Neuromuscular ES reduced markers for blood clot risk like fibrinogen and D-dimer levels.

Why Should You Care?
This research highlights a significant breakthrough for anyone facing long-term recovery after severe illness.

For ICU patients, Neuromuscular ES offers hope for faster rehabilitation, improved mobility, and better quality of life.

The universities and centers involved in this study are leaders in their fields, ensuring the findings are backed by rigorous science and global expertise.

What’s Next for Neuromuscular ES?
The research team recommends:

• Exploring long-term benefits of Neuromuscular ES post-ICU.
• Refining Neuromuscular ES protocols for use in home-based recovery.
• Conducting more studies on the impact of Neuromuscular ES on COVID-19 survivors.

Your Thoughts?

• Have you or someone you know faced the challenges of ICU recovery?
• Would you consider Neuromuscular ES as part of a rehabilitation program?

Final Note
This blog is part of the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, where we make complex research accessible and inspiring.

Share this with friends or family who might benefit from learning about Neuromuscular ES. To explore more, visit the full study here.

Disclaimer
This blog is for informational and recreational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting new treatments. For more details, read our full disclaimer here.

Link to the Study

For more details, read the full research here: Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

About ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST

At ORIEMS FIT, we are committed to sharing simplified insights from groundbreaking studies to inspire curiosity and self-learning.

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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and recreational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment. For full details, visit ORIEMS Disclaimer.