Welcome to another blog in the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest series! Here, we explore fascinating studies that inspire curiosity and simplify complex science for everyone.

Today, we’ll uncover how Japanese researchers used electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to reduce muscle loss in critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs).

(Scroll to the end of each post to find a link to the original study, often with full PDFs—perfect for building your research collection.)

Research Title

"Novel Protocol Combining Physical and Nutrition Therapies, Intensive Goal-Directed Rehabilitation with Electrical Muscle Stimulation and Nutrition (IGREEN) Care Bundle"

Who Conducted This Research?

• Authors: Hidehiko Nakano, Hiromu Naraba, Hideki Hashimoto, et al.
• Where: Hitachi General Hospital, Ibaraki, Japan.
• Institute Prestige: Renowned for its advanced critical care research and patient-focused innovation.
• Publication: Published in Critical Care (2021), an authoritative source in healthcare research.

What Was This Research About?

This study introduced the IGREEN protocol, a combined approach using EMS, early rehabilitation, and high-protein nutrition to combat ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW)—a condition where muscles deteriorate due to inactivity during critical illness.

Who Was Studied?

• Participants: 101 adult ICU patients divided into two groups:
  • Intervention group: Received EMS and nutrition-based therapy.
  • Control group: Received standard ICU care without EMS.

What Did the Researchers Find?

General Explanation

Patients treated with the IGREEN protocol experienced less muscle loss and faster rehabilitation progress than those receiving standard care.

EMS was key in helping patients maintain muscle mass even when they couldn’t stand or move.

Specific Evidence Supporting the Benefits of EMS

1. Muscle Volume Retention:

   • Muscle loss was 11.6% in the EMS group, compared to 14.5% in the standard care group, over 10 days.
   • This represents a 20% reduction in muscle deterioration, a critical achievement for ICU patients.

2. Early Mobilization Success:

   • The intervention group reached sitting (IMS 3) by day 3, while the control group took until day 5.
   • Similarly, standing (IMS 4) was achieved by day 3 in the EMS group, compared to day 5 in standard care.

3. Improved Nutrition Integration:

   • Patients receiving EMS consumed 20.1 kcal/kg/day versus 16.8 kcal/kg/day in the control group.
   • Protein intake was also higher at 1.4 g/kg/day compared to 0.8 g/kg/day for the standard group, fueling muscle recovery.

4. New Biomarker Insights:

   • The study measured N-titin, a marker for muscle injury, and found a faster reduction in muscle damage indicators among EMS users.

Why Is This Important for EMS Device Users?

EMS mimics physical activity, making it a lifesaver for people with limited mobility. This research shows that EMS can:

• Reduce muscle loss during periods of inactivity.
• Help patients recover faster by maintaining muscle mass.
• Improve the integration of nutrition and rehabilitation therapies.

For EMS users, this means a scientifically-backed approach to muscle health, even during times of rest or recovery.

Read the Research

• Original Title: Novel Protocol Combining Physical and Nutrition Therapies, Intensive Goal-Directed Rehabilitation with Electrical Muscle Stimulation and Nutrition (IGREEN) Care Bundle.
• Simplified Title: Can EMS Reduce ICU Muscle Loss?
• Link to Study: Access the full research here.

This open-access study is from a trustworthy journal, ensuring the findings are reliable and well-reviewed.

What Are Your Thoughts?

Have you or someone you know used EMS during recovery? What was the experience like? Could EMS be helpful for people beyond ICU settings? Let us know in the comments below!

About ORIEMS FIT Research Digest

Our mission is to simplify science and inspire curiosity. Each post explores how cutting-edge research can improve your fitness journey. Share this blog with friends or family and start a conversation about the potential of EMS technology!

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