Effect of In-Bed Leg Cycling and Electrical Stimulation of the Quadriceps on Global Muscle Strength in Critically Ill Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Ultrasound-derived rates of muscle wasting in the intensive care unit and in the post-intensive care ward for patients with critical illness: Post hoc analysis of an international, multicentre randomised controlled trial of early rehabilitation

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Muscle wasting results in weakness for patients with critical illness. We aim to explore ultrasound-derived rates of change in skeletal muscle in the intensive care unit (ICU) and following discharge to the post-ICU ward.

DESIGN

Post hoc analysis of a multicentre randomised controlled trial of functional-electrical stimulated cycling, recumbent cycling, and usual care delivered in intensive care.

METHOD

Participants underwent ultrasound assessment of rectus femoris at ICU admission, weekly in the ICU, upon awakening, ICU discharge, and hospital discharge. The primary outcome was rate of change in rectus femoris cross-sectional area (ΔRFCSA) in mm2/day in the ICU (enrolment to ICU discharge) and in the post-ICU ward (ICU discharge to hospital discharge). Secondary outcomes included rate of change in echo intensity (ΔEI), standard deviation of echo intensity (ΔEISD), and the intervention effect on ultrasound measures. Echo intensity is a quantitative assessment of muscle quality. Elevated echo intensity may indicate fluid infiltration, adipose tissue, and reduced muscle quality.

RESULTS

154 participants were included (mean age: 58 ± 15 years, 34% female). Rectus femoris cross-sectional area declined in the ICU (-4 mm2/day [95% confidence interval {CI}: -9 to 1]) and declined further in the ward (-9 mm2/day [95% CI: -14 to -3]) with a mean difference between ICU and ward of -5 mm2/day ([95% CI: -2, to 11]; p = 0.1396). There was a nonsignificant difference in ΔEI between in-ICU and the post-ICU ward of 1.2 ([95% CI: -0.1 to 2.6]; p = 0.0755), a statistically significant difference in ΔEISD between in-ICU and in the post-ICU ward of 1.0 ([95% CI, 0.5 to 1.5]; p = 0.0003), and no difference in rate of change in rectus femoris cross-sectional area between groups in intensive care (p = 0.411) or at hospital discharge (p = 0.1309).

CONCLUSIONS

Muscle wasting occurs in critical illness throughout the hospital admission. The average rate of loss in muscle cross-sectional area does not slow after ICU discharge, even with active rehabilitation.

Optimal timing for early mobilization initiatives in intensive care unit patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Analyse the effect of varying start times for early exercise interventions on the prevention of intensive care unit-acquired weakness.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

We conducted a comprehensive search on PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, China Biology Medicine Disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang Database, and reference lists up to May 2023.

SETTING

We systematically searched the literature for all randomized controlled trials on the effect of early mobilization in patients with critical illness.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome assessed was the incidence of intensive care unit-acquired weakness. The secondary outcomes included: the Medical Research Council Score, the Barthel Index, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care unit stay, total length of hospital stay, mortality and incidence of intensive care unit-related complications.

RESULTS

The results of meta-analysis showed that compared with routine care, less than 24 hours after admission (RR = 0.44, 95 %CI: 0.28-0.68), more than 24 hours (RR = 0.33, 95 %CI: 0.16-0.67), less than 72 hours after admission (RR = 0.33, 95 %CI: 0.20-0.52) may lead to a lower incidence of intensive care unit-acquired weakness. The results of under surface cumulative ranking showed that early mobilization within 72 hours may have the lowest incidence of intensive care unit-acquired weakness (SUCRA = 81.9 %).

CONCLUSIONS

The current empirical evidence from intensive care unit patients suggests that initiating mobilization protocols within 24-72 hours timeframe following admission to the intensive care unit could potentially be the most beneficial strategy to reduce the incidence of intensive care unit-acquired weakness and the related medical complications. Moreover, this strategy seems to significantly improve rehabilitation and treatment outcomes for these patients.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

According to this study, medical and nursing staff in the intensive care unit have the chance to identify the most suitable timing for the implementation of early rehabilitative measures for patients. This can potentially prevent intensive care unit-acquired weakness and enhance various clinical outcomes for patients.

Resistance training combined with β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate for patients with critical illness: A four-arm, mixed-methods, feasibility randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of resistance training (RT) with or without β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate (HMB) intervention program for ICU patients.

DESIGN

Open-label, parallel group, mixed method, randomized controlled trial.

SETTINGS

A tertiary general hospital in Fuzhou, China.

METHODS

Participants were randomly allocated to one of four groups. The RT group received supervised multilevel resistance training (RT) using elastic bands, administered by trained ICU nurses. The HMB group received an additional daily dose of 3.0 g HMB. The combination group underwent both interventions concurrently, while the control group received standard care. These interventions were implemented throughout the entire hospitalization period. Primary outcomes included feasibility indicators such as recruitment rate, enrollment rate, retention rate, and compliance rate. Secondary outcomes covered adverse events, acceptability (evaluated through questionnaires and qualitative interviews), and physical function. Quantitative analysis utilized a generalized estimation equation model, while qualitative analysis employed directed content analysis.

RESULTS

All feasibility indicators met predetermined criteria. Forty-eight patients were randomly assigned across four arms, achieving a 96% enrollment rate. Most patients adhered to the intervention until discharge, resulting in a 97.9% retention rate. Compliance rates for both RT and HMB interventions approached or exceeded 85%. No adverse events were reported. The intervention achieved 100% acceptability, with a prevailing expression of positive experiences and perception of appropriateness. The RT intervention shows potential improvement in physical function, while HMB does not.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing nurse-led resistance training with elastic bands with or without HMB proved to be feasible and safe for ICU patients.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

A large-scale, multicenter clinical trials are imperative to definitively assess the impact of this intervention on functional outcomes in this population.

Effects of Vibration Therapy on the Physical Function of Critically Ill Adults Trial: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

Vibration therapy uses vibration to rehabilitate physical functions. Recently, it has been demonstrated to be safe for critically ill patients. However, its effects on physical functions are unclear.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

A single-center, ICU.

PATIENTS

Patients were randomly assigned to either vibration therapy coupled with protocolized mobilization or protocolized mobilization alone. We included patients who could sit at the edge of the bed or in a wheelchair during their ICU stay. The exclusion criteria were based on the early mobilization inhibition criteria.

INTERVENTIONS

The primary outcome was the Functional Status Score for the ICU (FSS-ICU) at ICU discharge. Secondary outcomes were the Medical Research Council score, ICU-acquired weakness, delirium, ICU Mobility Scale (IMS), and ventilator- and ICU-free days. For safety assessment, vital signs were monitored during the intervention.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Among 180 patients, 86 and 90 patients remained in the vibration therapy and control groups, respectively. The mean age was 69 ± 13 vs. 67 ± 16 years in the vibration therapy and control groups, and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score was 19 (14-25) vs. 18 (13-23). The total FSS-ICU at ICU discharge was 24 (18-27) and 21 (17-26) in the intervention and control groups, respectively ( p = 0.09), and the supine-to-sit ability significantly improved in the intervention group ( p < 0.01). The secondary outcomes were not significantly different. Vital signs remained stable during vibration therapy. In the predefined subgroup analysis, FSS-ICU improved in the population with a higher body mass index (≥ 23 kg/m 2 ), lower APACHE II scores (< 19), and higher IMS scores (≥ 6).

CONCLUSIONS

Vibration therapy did not improve the total FSS-ICU. However, the supine-to-sit ability in the FSS-ICU improved without any adverse event.

Feasibility and safety of in-bed cycling/stepping in critically ill patients: A study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) is one of the most common complications of post-ICU syndrome. It is the leading cause of gait disturbance, decreased activities of daily living, and poor health-related quality of life. The early rehabilitation of critically ill patients can reduce the ICU-AW. We designed a protocol to investigate the feasibility and safety of conventional rehabilitation with additional in-bed cycling/stepping in critically ill patients.

METHODS

The study is designed as a single-center, single-blind, pilot, randomized, parallel-group study. After the screening, participants are randomly allocated to two groups, stratified by mechanical ventilation status. The intervention group will be provided with exercises of in-bed cycling/stepping according to the level of consciousness, motor power, and function in addition to conventional rehabilitation. In contrast, the control group will be provided with only conventional rehabilitation. The length of intervention is from ICU admission to discharge, and interventions will be conducted for 20 minutes, a maximum of three sessions per day.

RESULTS

The outcomes are the number and percentage of completed in-bed cycling/stepping sessions, the duration and percentage of in-bed cycling/stepping sessions, and the number of cessations of in-bed cycling/stepping sessions, the interval from ICU admission to the first session of in-bed cycling/stepping, the number and percentage of completed conventional rehabilitation sessions, the duration and percentage of conventional rehabilitation sessions, the number of cessations of conventional rehabilitation sessions, the number of adverse events, level of consciousness, functional mobility, muscle strength, activities of daily living, and quality of life.

DISCUSSION

This study is a pilot clinical trial to investigate the feasibility and safety of conventional rehabilitation with additional in-bed cycling/stepping in critically ill patients. If the expected results are achieved in this study, the methods of ICU rehabilitation will be enriched.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicialtrials.gov, Clinical Trials Registration #NCT05868070.

Indirect calorimetry directed feeding and cycling in the older ICU population: a pilot randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Older critically ill patients experience rapid muscle loss during stay in an intensive care unit (ICU) due to physiological stress and increased catabolism. This may lead to increased ICU length of stay, delayed weaning from ventilation and persistent functional limitations. We hypothesized that with optimal nutrition and early physical therapy acting in synergism, we can reduce muscle mass loss and improve functional outcomes.

METHODS

This was a prospective, single blinded randomized, controlled single-center pilot study to compare the lean muscle mass (measured at bilateral quadriceps femoris using ultrasound) of older ICU patients at 4 time points over 14 days between the control and intervention groups. The control group received standard weight-based empiric feeding and standard ICU physiotherapy. The intervention group received indirect calorimetry directed feeding adjusted daily and 60 min per day of cycle ergometry. 21 patients were recruited and randomized with 11 patients in the control arm and 10 patients in the intervention arm. Secondary outcome measures included ICU and hospital mortality, length of stay, functional assessments of mobility and assessment of strength.

RESULTS

Median age was 64 in the control group and 66 in the intervention group. Median calories achieved was 24.5 kcal/kg per day in the control group and 23.3 kcal/kg per day in the intervention group. Cycle ergometry was applied to patients in the intervention group for a median of 60 min a day and a patient had a median of 8.5 sessions in 14 days. Muscle mass decreased by a median of 4.7cm2 in the right quadriceps femoris in the control group and 1.8cm2 in the intervention group (p = 0.19), while the left quadriceps femoris decreased by 1.9cm2 in the control group and 0.1cm2 in the intervention group (p = 0.51).

CONCLUSION

In this pilot study, we found a trend towards decrease muscle loss in bilateral quadriceps femoris with our combined interventions. However, it did not reach statistical significance likely due to small number of patients recruited in the study. However, we conclude that the intervention is feasible and potentially beneficial and may warrant a larger scale study to achieve statistical significance.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov on 30th May 2018 with identifier NCT03540732.

Early mobility and family partnerships in the intensive care unit: A scoping review of reviews

BACKGROUND

Critical illness significantly impacts the well-being of patients and families. Previous studies show that family members are willing to participate in patient care. Involving families in early mobility interventions may contribute to improved recovery and positive outcomes for patients and families.

AIM

In this scoping review, we investigated early mobility interventions for critically ill patients evaluated in randomized controlled trials and the extent to which family engagement in those interventions are reported in the literature.

STUDY DESIGN

In this scoping review of reviews, EMBASE, CINAHL, PubMed and Cochrane Central databases were searched in October 2019 and updated in February 2022. Systematic reviews were included and assessed using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) 2. Data were synthesized using a narrative approach. PRISMA-ScR guidelines were adhered to for reporting.

RESULTS

Thirty-three reviews were included which described a range of early mobility interventions for critically ill patients; none explicitly mentioned family engagement. Almost half of the reviews were of low or critically low quality. Insufficient detail of early mobility interventions prompted information to be extracted from the primary studies.

CONCLUSIONS

There are a range of early mobility interventions for critically ill patients but few involve families. Given the positive outcomes of family participation, and family willingness to participate in care, there is a need to explore the feasibility and acceptability of family participation in early mobility interventions.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Family engagement in early mobility interventions for critically ill patients should be encouraged and supported. How to best support family members and clinicians in enacting family involvement in early mobility requires further investigation.

Bioelectric medicine: unveiling the therapeutic potential of micro-current stimulation

Bioelectric medicine (BEM) refers to the use of electrical signals to modulate the electrical activity of cells and tissues in the body for therapeutic purposes. In this review, we particularly focused on the microcurrent stimulation (MCS), because, this can take place at the cellular level with sub-sensory application unlike other stimuli. These extremely low-level currents mimic the body's natural electrical activity and are believed to promote various physiological processes. To date, MCS has limited use in the field of BEM with applications in several therapeutic purposes. However, recent studies provide hopeful signs that MCS is more scalable and widely applicable than what has been used so far. Therefore, this review delves into the landscape of MCS, shedding light on the multifaceted applications and untapped potential of MCS in the realm of healthcare. Particularly, we summarized the hierarchical mediation from cell to whole body responses by MCS including its physiological applications. Our final objective of this review is to contribute to the growing body of literature that unveils the captivating potential of BEM, with MCS poised at the intersection of technological innovation and the intricacies of the human body.

Association of active mobilisation variables with adverse events and mortality in patients requiring mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Mobilisation during critical illness is now included in multiple clinical practice guidelines. However, a large, randomised trial and systematic review have recently identified an increased probability of adverse events and mortality in patients who received early active mobilisation in the intensive care unit (ICU). We aimed to determine the effects of mobilisation compared with usual care on adverse events and mortality in an acute ICU setting. In subgroup analyses, we specifically aimed to investigate possible sources of harm, including the timing and duration of mobilisation achieved, ventilation status, and admission diagnosis.

METHODS

In this systematic review with frequentist and Bayesian analyses, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and PEDro electronic databases, as well as clinical trial registries (ICTRP and ClinicalTrials.gov), from inception to March 16, 2023, without language restrictions. Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials that examined active mobilisation compared with either no mobilisation or mobilisation commencing later, or at a lower frequency or intensity, in adults who were critically ill during or after a period of mechanical ventilation in an acute ICU setting. Two authors independently screened reports, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (version 1). The primary outcome was the number of adverse events that occurred during the implementation of mobilisation, with the effect of mobilisation on mortality being the secondary outcome. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs were calculated in R (version 4.0.3) using random-effects modelling, with Bayesian analysis completed to calculate the probability of treatment harm (ie, RR >1). Subgroup analyses were completed to investigate the association of various factors of mobilisation on adverse events and mortality: duration of mobilisation (longer [≥20 min per day] vs shorter [<20 min per day]), timing of commencement (early [≤72 h from ICU admission] vs late [>72 h from ICU admission]), ventilation status at commencement (all patients mechanically ventilated vs all patients extubated), and ICU admission diagnosis (surgical vs medical). This study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022369272.

FINDINGS

After title and abstract screening of 14 440 studies and review of 466 full texts, 67 trials with 7004 participants met inclusion criteria, with 59 trials contributing to the meta-analysis. Of the 67 included studies, 15 (22%) did not mention adverse events and 13 (19%) reported no adverse events occurring across the trial period. Overall, we found no effect of mobilisation compared with usual care on the occurrence of adverse events (RR 1·09 [95% CI 0·69-1·74], p=0·71; I2 91%; 32 731 events, 20 studies; very low certainty), with a 2·96% occurrence rate (693 events in 23 395 intervention sessions; 25 studies). Mobilisation did not have any effect on mortality (RR 0·98 [95% CI 0·87-1·12], p=0·81; I2 0%; n=6218, 58 studies; moderate certainty). Subgroup analysis was hindered by the large amount of data that could not be allocated and analysed, making the results hypothesis generating only.

INTERPRETATION

Implementation of mobilisation in the ICU was associated with a less than 3% chance of an adverse event occurring and was not found to increase adverse events or mortality overall, providing reassurance for clinicians about the safety of performing this intervention. Subgroup analyses did not clearly identify any specific variable of mobilisation implementation that increased harm.

FUNDING

None.

Assessing the safety of physical rehabilitation in critically ill patients: a Delphi study

BACKGROUND

Physical rehabilitation of critically ill patients is implemented to improve physical outcomes from an intensive care stay. However, before rehabilitation is implemented, a risk assessment is essential, based on robust safety data. To develop this information, a uniform definition of relevant adverse events is required. The assessment of cardiovascular stability is particularly relevant before physical activity as there is uncertainty over when it is safe to start rehabilitation with patients receiving vasoactive drugs.

METHODS

A three-stage Delphi study was carried out to (a) define adverse events for a general ICU cohort, and (b) to define which risks should be assessed before physical rehabilitation of patients receiving vasoactive drugs. An international group of intensive care clinicians and clinician researchers took part. Former ICU patients and their family members/carers were involved in generating consensus for the definition of adverse events. Round one was an open round where participants gave their suggestions of what to include. In round two, participants rated their agreements with these suggestions using a five-point Likert scale; a 70% consensus agreement threshold was used. Round three was used to re-rate suggestions that had not reached consensus, whilst viewing anonymous feedback of participant ratings from round two.

RESULTS

Twenty-four multi-professional ICU clinicians and clinician researchers from 10 countries across five continents were recruited. Average duration of ICU experience was 18 years (standard deviation 8) and 61% had publications related to ICU rehabilitation. For the adverse event definition, five former ICU patients and one patient relative were recruited. The Delphi process had a 97% response rate. Firstly, 54 adverse events reached consensus; an adverse event tool was created and informed by these events. Secondly, 50 risk factors requiring assessment before physical rehabilitation of patients receiving vasoactive drugs reached consensus. A second tool was created, informed by these suggestions.

CONCLUSIONS

The adverse event tool can be used in studies of physical rehabilitation to ensure uniform measurement of safety. The risk assessment tool can be used to inform clinical practise when risk assessing when to start rehabilitation with patients receiving vasoactive drugs. Trial registration This study protocol was retrospectively registered on https://www.researchregistry.com/ (researchregistry2991).

Statistical analyses of ordinal outcomes in randomised controlled trials: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) aim to estimate the causal effect of one or more interventions relative to a control. One type of outcome that can be of interest in an RCT is an ordinal outcome, which is useful to answer clinical questions regarding complex and evolving patient states. The target parameter of interest for an ordinal outcome depends on the research question and the assumptions the analyst is willing to make. This review aimed to provide an overview of how ordinal outcomes have been used and analysed in RCTs.

METHODS

The review included RCTs with an ordinal primary or secondary outcome published between 2017 and 2022 in four highly ranked medical journals (the British Medical Journal, New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, and the Journal of the American Medical Association) identified through PubMed. Details regarding the study setting, design, the target parameter, and statistical methods used to analyse the ordinal outcome were extracted.

RESULTS

The search identified 309 studies, of which 144 were eligible for inclusion. The most used target parameter was an odds ratio, reported in 78 (54%) studies. The ordinal outcome was dichotomised for analysis in 47 ( 33 % ) studies, and the most common statistical model used to analyse the ordinal outcome on the full ordinal scale was the proportional odds model (64 [ 44 % ] studies). Notably, 86 (60%) studies did not explicitly check or describe the robustness of the assumptions for the statistical method(s) used.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this review indicate that in RCTs that use an ordinal outcome, there is variation in the target parameter and the analytical approaches used, with many dichotomising the ordinal outcome. Few studies provided assurance regarding the appropriateness of the assumptions and methods used to analyse the ordinal outcome. More guidance is needed to improve the transparent reporting of the analysis of ordinal outcomes in future trials.

Arm cycle ergometry in critically ill patients: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Intensive care unit (ICU) survivors face functional limitations due to ICU-acquired weakness. Arm cycle ergometry (ACE) introduced in the ICU may improve physical function. To our knowledge, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of ACE and physical function outcomes in critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this systematic review was to examine the impact of ICU-based ACE on physical function, safety, and other clinical outcomes.

REVIEW METHOD USED

Systematic Review.

DATA SOURCES

A search of seven databases was conducted from the inception to January 1, 2023: Medline Ahead of Print, Ovid MEDLINE(R), Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), Embase, Cochrane Central, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL).

REVIEW METHODS

We included two arm studies of critically ill adults admitted to the ICU who received ACE and any comparator for our primary outcome, physical function. Our secondary outcomes included severe events. We included safety studies with or without a comparator group. Screening, data abstraction, and risk-of-bias assessments were completed independently, in duplicate. We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach to assess the overall certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

We screened 651 citations and included eight studies that enrolled 183 patients. Due to heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not performed. For our primary outcome, one randomised controlled trial found significant improvements in physical function, measured by the Barthel Index with ACE, whereas a nonrandomised study showed no difference. Out of the six studies reporting safety, none reported any severe safety events. The overall certainty of evidence was very low.

CONCLUSION

ACE initiated in the ICU is a likely safe intervention. Based on the limited ACE studies and heterogeneity between studies, further research with more rigorous studies evaluating important outcomes for patients is needed.

Effects of acute phase intensive electrical muscle stimulation in COVID-19 patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation: an observational case-control study

We investigated the effects of acute-phase intensive electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on physical function in COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in the intensive care unit (ICU). Consecutive COVID-19 patients requiring IMV admitted to a university hospital ICU between January and April 2022 (EMS therapy group) or between March and September 2021 (age-matched historical control group) were included in this retrospective observational case-control study. EMS was applied to both upper and lower limb muscles for up to 2 weeks in the EMS therapy group. The study population consisted of 16 patients undergoing EMS therapy and 16 age-matched historical controls (median age, 71 years; 81.2% male). The mean period until initiation of EMS therapy after ICU admission was 3.2 ± 1.4 days. The EMS therapy group completed a mean of 6.2 ± 3.7 EMS sessions, and no adverse events occurred. There were no significant differences between the two groups in Medical Research Council sum score (51 vs. 53 points, respectively; P = 0.439) or ICU mobility scale at ICU discharge. Addition of upper and lower limb muscle EMS therapy to an early rehabilitation program did not result in improved physical function at ICU discharge in severe COVID-19 patients.

Assisted mobilisation in critical patients with COVID-19

The therapeutic value of early physiotherapeutic treatment in critical respiratory settings has already been clearly outlined in the last fifteen years by several authors. However, there is still a controversial perception of mobilisation by healthcare professions. In-bed cycling has attracted increasing attention having been demonstrated as a feasible and safe intervention in critical settings. Patients with respiratory diseases are typically prone to fatigue and exertional dyspnoea, as we observe in COVID-19 pandemic; in fact, these patients manifest respiratory and motor damage that can even be associated with cognitive and mental limitations. COVID-19 is at risk of becoming a chronic disease if the clinical sequelae such as pulmonary fibrosis are confirmed as permanent outcomes by further analysis, particularly in those cases with overlapping pre-existent pulmonary alterations. In the present article, we propose a practical analysis of the effects of in-bed cycling, and further discuss its potential advantages if used in critical patients with COVID-19 in intensive care settings.

The phase angle cut-off point capable of discriminating hemodialysis patients with reduced exercise tolerance: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Phase angle (PhA) is a prognostic marker of all-cause mortality in chronic kidney disease. However, no study has investigated this marker as a predictor of exercise intolerance in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of this study was to determine a cut-off point for the PhA capable of discriminating HD patients with reduced exercise tolerance.

METHODS

Thirty-one patients (80.6% men, median age 69 years) were included. The evaluations were performed on three different days, before the HD session. The outcomes evaluated were: biochemical markers, inflammatory and nutritional status, body composition, peripheral muscle strength and exercise tolerance. Performance ≤50% of the predicted value in the six-minute step test (6MST) was defined as reduced exercise tolerance.

RESULTS

Patients presented an average of 67.6 steps (50.5% of predicted) in the 6MST. Fifteen patients (48.4%) were classified with reduced exercise tolerance. The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated a cut-off point of 3.73° for the PhA (sensitivity = 87%, specificity = 81%, and area under the curve = 0.88 [95% CI: 0.76-1.00]; p < 0.001). Patients with reduced exercise tolerance had worse inflammatory and nutritional status, lower PhA and greater impairment of peripheral muscle strength.

CONCLUSION

The cut-off point of 3.73° for the PhA is sensitive and specific to discriminate HD patients with reduced exercise tolerance.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered in the Clinical Trials database (no. NCT03779126, date of first registration 19/12/2018).

Clinical effect of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with mechanical ventilation: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

Relevant studies were identified in the PubMed, Web of Science, National Library of Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang databases. A meta-analysis was performed after screening based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, data extraction and literature quality evaluation.

RESULTS

In total, 19 studies involving 2181 participants were included. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that compared with patients with conventional rehabilitation measures, patients with pulmonary rehabilitation measures had a higher offline success rate (relative risk (RR) = 1.16; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09, 1.24; p < 0.00001) and higher arterial oxygen partial pressure levels (mean difference (MD) = 8.96; 95%CI: 5.98, 11.94; p < 0.0001) and these measures significantly shortened the duration of mechanical ventilation (standardised MD (SMD) = -1.08; 95%CI: -1.58, -0.59; p < 0.0001) and ICU stay (SMD = -1.41; 95%CI: -1.94, -0.88; p < 0.0001). Aspiration significantly reduced the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (RR = 0.35; 95%CI: 0.24, 0.51; p < 0.00001) and deep vein thrombosis (RR = 0.32; 95%CI: 0.13, 0.76; p = 0.01) in ICU patients with mechanical ventilation.

CONCLUSION

Pulmonary rehabilitation measures can improve the success rate of weaning from mechanical ventilation in ICU patients, shorten the time of mechanical ventilation and ICU hospitalisation and reduce the incidence of related adverse reactions, but the impact on mortality requires further study.

Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in critically ill adults with mechanical ventilation: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is widely used as a rehabilitation methods to restore muscle mass and function in prolonged immobilization individuals. However, its effect in mechanically ventilated patients to improve clinical outcomes remains unclear.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PEDro, and the Cochrane Library from their inception until December 24th, 2023. The search targeted randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing NMES with physical therapy (PT) or usual ICU care (CG), for improving clinical outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients. We performed a network meta-analysis utilizing Stata version 14.0 and R 4.3.1.

RESULTS

We included 23 RCTs comprising 1312 mechanically ventilated adults. The treatments analyzed were NMES, PT, NMES combined with PT (NMES+PT), and CG. Network meta-analyses revealed that NMES or NMES+PT significantly improved extubation success rate compared to CG, with ORs of 1.85 (95% CI: 1.11, 3.08) and 5.89 (95% CI: 1.77, 19.65), respectively. Additionally, NMES exhibited a slight decrease in extubation success rate compared with NMES+PT, with OR of 0.31 (95% CI: 0.11, 0.93). Nevertheless, neither NMES nor NMES+PT showed any significant improvement in ICU length of stay (LOS), ventilation duration, or mortality when compared with PT or CG. NMES+PT emerged as the most effective strategy for all considered clinical outcomes according to the ranking probabilities. The evidence quality ranged from "low" to "very low" in this network meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

NMES appears to be a straightforward and safe modality for critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients. When combined with PT, it significantly improved the extubation success rate against standard ICU care and NMES alone, and showed a better ranking over PT or NMES alone for clinical outcomes. Therefore, NMES combined with PT may be a superior rehabilitation strategy for this patient group.

Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Rehabilitation in Critically Ill Patients 2023 (J-ReCIP 2023)

Providing standardized, high-quality rehabilitation for critically ill patients is a crucial issue. In 2017, the Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine (JSICM) promulgated the "Evidence-Based Expert Consensus for Early Rehabilitation in the Intensive Care Unit" to advocate for the early initiation of rehabilitations in Japanese intensive care settings. Building upon this seminal work, JSICM has recently conducted a rigorous systematic review utilizing the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. This endeavor resulted in the formulation of Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs), designed to elucidate best practices in early ICU rehabilitation. The primary objective of this guideline is to augment clinical understanding and thereby facilitate evidence-based decision-making, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of patient outcomes in critical care settings. No previous CPGs in the world has focused specifically on rehabilitation of critically ill patients, using the GRADE approach. Multidisciplinary collaboration is extremely important in rehabilitation. Thus, the CPGs were developed by 73 members of a Guideline Development Group consisting of a working group, a systematic review group, and an academic guideline promotion group, with the Committee for the Clinical Practice Guidelines of Early Mobilization and Rehabilitation in Intensive Care of the JSICM at its core. Many members contributed to the development of the guideline, including physicians and healthcare professionals with multiple and diverse specialties, as well as a person who had been patients in ICU. Based on discussions among the group members, eight important clinical areas of focus for this CPG were identified. Fourteen important clinical questions (CQs) were then developed for each area. The public was invited to comment twice, and the answers to the CQs were presented in the form of 10 GRADE recommendations and commentary on the four background questions. In addition, information for each CQ has been created as a visual clinical flow to ensure that the positioning of each CQ can be easily understood. We hope that the CPGs will be a useful tool in the rehabilitation of critically ill patients for multiple professions.

Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Patients With Critical Illness: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVES

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is used in the rehabilitation of patients with critical illness. However, it is unclear whether NMES prevents ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW). For this purpose, we conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

We searched the MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi databases from April 2019 to November 2022 to identify new randomized controlled trials to the previous meta-analysis.

STUDY SELECTION

We systematically searched the literature for all randomized controlled trials on the effect of NMES in patients with critical illness.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two authors independently selected the studies and extracted data. They calculated the pooled effect estimates associated with the occurrence of ICU-AW and adverse events as primary outcomes and muscle mass change, muscle strength, length of ICU stay, mortality, and quality of life as secondary outcomes. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Overall, eight studies were added to the previous 10 studies. Evidence suggests that the use of NMES reduces the occurrence of ICU-AW (six trials; risk ratio [RR], 0.48; 95% CI, 0.32-0.72); however, NMES may have little to no effect on pricking sensation in patients (eight trials; RR, 6.87; 95% CI, 0.84-56.50). NMES is likely to reduce the change in muscle mass (four trials; mean difference, -10.01; 95% CI, -15.54 to -4.48) and may increase muscle strength (six trials; standardized mean difference, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.19-0.68). Further, NMES may result in little to no difference in the length of ICU stay, and the evidence is uncertain about the effect on mortality and quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

This updated meta-analysis revealed that the use of NMES may result in a lower occurrence of ICU-AW in patients with critical illness, but its use may have little to no effect on pricking sensation in patients.

Physical function and mental health trajectories in COVID-19 patients following invasive mechanical ventilation: a prospective observational study

This prospective observational cohort study was performed to investigate the physical function and mental health trajectories of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) after discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU). The study population consisted of 64 patients (median age, 60 years; 85.9% male; median IMV duration, 9 days). At ICU discharge, 28.1% of the patients had Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score < 48 points, and prolonged IMV was significantly associated with lower MRC sum score and handgrip strength. Symptoms were similar between groups at ICU discharge, and the symptoms most commonly reported as moderate-to-severe were impaired well-being (52%), anxiety (43%), tiredness (41%), and depression (35%). Although muscle strength and mobility status were significantly improved after ICU discharge, Edmonton Symptom Assessment System score did not improve significantly in the prolonged IMV group. EuroQol five-dimension five-level summary index was significantly lower in the prolonged than short IMV group at 6 months after ICU discharge. We found substantial negative physical function and mental health consequences in the majority of surviving COVID-19 patients requiring IMV, with prolonged period of IMV showing greater negative effects not only immediately but also at 6 months after discharge from the ICU.

Transcutaneous electrical diaphragmatic stimulation in mechanically ventilated patients: a randomised study

BACKGROUND

Few specific methods are available to reduce the risk of diaphragmatic dysfunction for patients under mechanical ventilation. The number of studies involving transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the diaphragm (TEDS) is increasing but none report results for diaphragmatic measurements, and they lack power. We hypothesised that the use of TEDS would decrease diaphragmatic dysfunction and improve respiratory muscle strength in patients in ICU.

METHODS

We conducted a controlled trial to assess the impact of daily active electrical stimulation versus sham stimulation on the prevention of diaphragm dysfunction during the weaning process from mechanical ventilation. The evaluation was based on ultrasound measurements of diaphragm thickening fraction during spontaneous breathing trials. We also measured maximal inspiratory muscle pressure (MIP), peak cough flow (PEF) and extubation failure.

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients were included and randomised using a 1:1 ratio. The mean number of days of mechanical ventilation was 10 ± 6.8. Diaphragm thickening fraction was > 30% at the SBT for 67% of participants in the TEDS group and 54% of the Sham group (OR1.55, 95% CI 0.47-5.1; p = 0.47). MIP and PEF were similar in the TEDS and Sham groups (respectively 35.5 ± 11.9 vs 29.7 ± 11.7 cmH20; p = 0.469 and 83.2 ± 39.5 vs. 75.3 ± 34.08 L/min; p = 0.83). Rate of extubation failure was not different between groups.

CONCLUSION

TEDS did not prevent diaphragm dysfunction or improve inspiratory muscle strength in mechanically ventilated patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Prospectively registered on the 20th November 2019 on ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04171024.

Early Mobilization for Critically Ill Patients

Advances in the field of critical care medicine have helped improve the survival rate of these ill patients. Several studies have demonstrated the potential benefits of early mobilization as an important component of critical care rehabilitation. However, there have been some inconsistent results. Moreover, the lack of standardized mobilization protocols and the associated safety concerns are a barrier to the implementation of early mobilization in critically ill patients. Therefore, determining the appropriate modalities of implementation of early mobilization is a key imperative to leverage its potential in these patients. In this paper, we review the contemporary literature to summarize the strategies for early mobilization of critically ill patients, assess the implementation and validity based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, as well as discuss the safety aspects of early mobilization.

Effect of early mobilisation on long-term cognitive impairment in critical illness in the USA: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Patients who have received mechanical ventilation can have prolonged cognitive impairment for which there is no known treatment. We aimed to establish whether early mobilisation could reduce the rates of cognitive impairment and other aspects of disability 1 year after critical illness.

METHODS

In this single-centre, parallel, randomised controlled trial, patients admitted to the adult medical-surgical intensive-care unit (ICU), at the University of Chicago (IL, USA), were recruited. Inclusion criteria were adult patients (aged ≥18 years) who were functionally independent and mechanically ventilated at baseline and within the first 96 h of mechanical ventilation, and expected to continue for at least 24 h. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) via computer-generated permuted balanced block randomisation to early physical and occupational therapy (early mobilisation) or usual care. An investigator designated each assignment in consecutively numbered, sealed, opaque envelopes; they had no further involvement in the trial. Only the assessors were masked to group assignment. The primary outcome was cognitive impairment 1 year after hospital discharge, measured with a Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Patients were assessed for cognitive impairment, neuromuscular weakness, institution-free days, functional independence, and quality of life at hospital discharge and 1 year. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01777035, and is now completed.

FINDINGS

Between Aug 11, 2011, and Oct 24, 2019, 1222 patients were screened, 200 were enrolled (usual care n=100, intervention n=100), and one patient withdrew from the study in each group; thus 99 patients in each group were included in the intention-to-treat analysis (113 [57%] men and 85 [43%] women). 65 (88%) of 74 in the usual care group and 62 (89%) of 70 in the intervention group underwent testing for cognitive impairment at 1 year. The rate of cognitive impairment at 1 year with early mobilisation was 24% (24 of 99 patients) compared with 43% (43 of 99) with usual care (absolute difference -19·2%, 95% CI -32·1 to -6·3%; p=0·0043). Cognitive impairment was lower at hospital discharge in the intervention group (53 [54%] 99 patients vs 68 [69%] 99 patients; -15·2%, -28·6 to -1·7; p=0·029). At 1 year, the intervention group had fewer ICU-acquired weaknesses (none [0%] of 99 patients vs 14 [14%] of 99 patients; -14·1%; -21·0 to -7·3; p=0·0001) and higher physical component scores on quality-of-life testing than did the usual care group (median 52·4 [IQR 45·3-56·8] vs median 41·1 [31·8-49·4]; p<0·0001). There was no difference in the rates of functional independence (64 [65%] of 99 patients vs 61 [62%] of 99 patients; 3%, -10·4 to 16·5%; p=0·66) or mental component scores (median 55·9 [50·2-58·9] vs median 55·2 [49·5-59·7]; p=0·98) between the intervention and usual care groups at 1 year. Seven adverse events (haemodynamic changes [n=3], arterial catheter removal [n=1], rectal tube dislodgement [n=1], and respiratory distress [n=2]) were reported in six (6%) of 99 patients in the intervention group and in none of the patients in the usual care group (p=0·029).

INTERPRETATION

Early mobilisation might be the first known intervention to improve long-term cognitive impairment in ICU survivors after mechanical ventilation. These findings clearly emphasise the importance of avoiding delays in initiating mobilisation. However, the increased adverse events in the intervention group warrants further investigation to replicate these findings.

FUNDING

None.

Cough Peak Flow Assessment Without Disconnection From the ICU Ventilator in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

BACKGROUND

Because ICU ventilators incorporate flow velocity measurement, cough peak expiratory flow (CPF) can be assessed without disconnecting the patient from the ICU ventilator. Our goal was to estimate the correlation between CPF obtained with the built-in ventilator flow meter (ventilator CPF) and CPF obtained with an electronic portable handheld peak flow meter connected to the endotracheal tube.

METHODS

Cooperative mechanically ventilated patients who entered the weaning process and who were ventilated with pressure support < 15 cm H2O and PEEP < 9 cm H2O were eligible for the study. Their CPF measurements obtained on the extubation day were kept for analysis.

RESULTS

We analyzed CPF obtained in 61 subjects. The mean ± SD value of ventilator CPF and peak flow meter CPF were 72.6 ± 27.5 L/min and 31.1 ± 13.4 L/min. The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.63 (95% CI 0.45-0.76), P < .001. The ventilator CPF had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.84 (95% CI 0.75-0.93) to predict a peak flow meter CPF < 35 L/min. Neither ventilator CPF nor peak flow meter CPF differed significantly between subjects who were or were not re-intubated within 72 h (n = 5) and failed to predict re-intubation at 72 h (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.64 [95% CI 0.46-0.82] and 0.47 [95% CI 0.22-0.74]).

CONCLUSIONS

CPF measurements using a built-in ventilator flow meter were feasible in routine practice with cooperative ICU subjects who were intubated and correlated with CPF assessed by an electronic portable peak flow meter.

The Effect of Mobilization at 6 Months after Critical Illness - Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: The comparative efficacy and safety of early active mobilization compared with usual care regarding long-term outcomes for adult critically ill survivors remain uncertain. METHODS: We systematically reviewed randomized clinical trials comparing early active mobilization versus usual care in critically ill adults. The primary outcome was days alive and out of hospital to day 180 after pooling data using random effects modeling. We also performed a Bayesian meta-analysis to describe the treatment effect in probability terms. Secondary outcomes were mortality, physical function, strength, health-related quality of life at 6 months, and adverse events. RESULTS: Fifteen trials from 11 countries were included with data from 2703 participants. From six trials (1121 participants) reporting the primary outcome, the pooled mean difference was an increase of 4.28 days alive and out of hospital to day 180 in those patients who received early active mobilization (95% confidence interval, −4.46 to 13.03; I2=41%). Using Bayesian analyses with vague priors, the probability that the intervention increased days alive and out of hospital was 75.1%. In survivors, there was a 95.1% probability that the intervention improved physical function measured through a patient-reported outcome measure at 6 months (standardized mean difference, 0.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.09 to 0.32; I2=0%). Although no treatment effect was identified on any other secondary outcome, there was a 66.4% possibility of increased adverse events with the implementation of early active mobilization and a 72.2% chance it increased 6-month mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Use of early active mobilization for critically ill adults did not significantly affect days alive and out of hospital to day 180. Early active mobilization was associated with improved physical function in survivors at 6 months; however, the possibility that it might increase mortality and adverse events needs to be considered when interpreting this finding. (PROSPERO number, CRD42022309650.)

Investigating the impact of physical activity interventions on delirium outcomes in intensive care unit patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

To investigate the impact of physical activity interventions, including early mobilisation, on delirium outcomes in critically ill patients.

Methods

Electronic database literature searches were conducted, and studies were selected based on pre-specified eligibility criteria. Cochrane Risk of Bias-2 and Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies-of Interventions quality assessment tools were utilised. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations was used to assess levels of evidence for delirium outcomes. The study was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020210872).

Results

Twelve studies were included; ten randomised controlled trials one observational case-matched study and one before-after quality improvement study. Only five of the included randomised controlled trial studies were judged to be at low risk of bias, with all others, including both non-randomised controlled trials deemed to be at high or moderate risk. The pooled relative risk for incidence was 0.85 (0.62-1.17) which was not statistically significant in favour of physical activity interventions. Narrative synthesis for effect on duration of delirium found favour towards physical activity interventions reducing delirium duration with median differences ranging from 0 to 2 days in three comparative studies. Studies comparing varying intervention intensities showed positive outcomes in favour of greater intensity. Overall levels of evidence were low quality.

Conclusions

Currently there is insufficient evidence to recommend physical activity as a stand-alone intervention to reduce delirium in Intensive Care Units. Physical activity intervention intensity may impact on delirium outcomes, but a lack of high-quality studies limits the current evidence base.

Effects of electrical muscle stimulation on core muscle activation and physical performance in non-athletic adults: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) activates muscles through electrical currents, resulting in involuntary muscle contractions. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate clinical effects of superimposing EMS on strength training compared with conventional exercise in healthy non-athletic adults.

METHODS

This study was a randomised, controlled, parallel-group trial conducted at a single centre. Forty-one healthy young volunteers were recruited and randomised into two groups: strengthening with superimposed EMS (S+E) and strengthening (S) groups. All participants underwent the 30 minutes of strength training program, three times a week for 8 weeks, consisting of core muscle exercises. Additionally, the S+E group received EMS during training, which stimulated the bilateral abdominal, gluteus, and hip adductor muscles. As the primary outcome measure, we evaluated the changes in muscle thickness, including the abdominal, gluteal, and hip adductor muscles, using ultrasound. Muscle thickness was measured in both resting and contracted states. For secondary outcomes, physical performance (Functional Movement System score, McGill's core stability test, and hip muscle power) and body composition analysis were evaluated. All assessments were performed at the beginning and end of the intervention.

RESULTS

39 participants (S+E group = 20, S group = 19) completed the study. The clinical characteristics and baseline functional status of each group did not differ significantly between the groups. After completion of the training, the S+E group showed more efficient contraction in most of the evaluated muscles. The resting muscle thickness did not differ significantly between the groups; however, the contracted muscle thickness in the S+E group was higher than that in the S group (p < 0.05). Physical performance and body composition were not significantly different between the two groups. No intervention-related complications were reported during the study.

CONCLUSION

EMS seems to be a safe and reasonable modality for improving physical fitness in healthy individuals.

(Mal)nutrition in critical illness and beyond: a narrative review

Close liaison with ICU-trained dietitians and early initiation of nutrition is a fundamental principle of care of critically ill patients- this should be done while monitoring closely for refeeding syndrome. Enteral nutrition delivered by volumetric pumps should be used where possible, though parenteral nutrition should be started early in patients with high nutritional risk factors. Malnutrition and loss of muscle mass are common in patients who are admitted to ICUs and are prognostic for patient-centred outcomes including complications and mortality. Obesity is part of that story, and isocaloric and high-protein provision of nutrition is important in this group of patients who comprise a growing proportion of people treated. Assessing protein stores and appropriate dosing is, however, challenging in all groups of patients. It would be beneficial to develop strategies to reduce muscle wasting as well; various strategies including amino acid supplementation, ketogenic nutrition and exercise have been trialled, but the quality of data has been inadequate to address this phenomenon. Nutritional targets are rarely achieved in practice, and all ICUs should incorporate clear guidelines to help address this. These should include local nutritional and fasting guidelines and for the management of feed intolerance, early access to post-pyloric feeding and a multidisciplinary framework to support the importance of nutritional education.

The Effectiveness of Frailty Intervention for Older Patients with Frailty during Hospitalization

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a multidomain intervention program on the change in functional status of hospitalized older adults.

DESIGN

This single-arm, prospective, non-randomized interventional study investigates the efficacy of a multidomain interventional program including cognitive stimulation activity, simple exercises, frailty education, and nutrition counseling.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

At a tertiary hospital in southern Taiwan, 352 eligible patients were sequentially enrolled. Included patients were aged ≥65 years (mean age, 79.6 ± 9.0 years; 62% male), scored 3-7 on the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), and were hospitalized in the geriatric acute ward.

INTERVENTION

Those receiving standard care (physical rehabilitation and nutrition counseling) during January-July 2019 composed the historical control group. Those receiving the multidomain intervention during August-December 2019 composed the intervention group.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome was the change in activities of daily life (ADL) and frailty status, as assessed by Katz Index and Clinical Frailty Scale, with using the generalized estimating equation model. The length of hospital stay, medical costs, and re-admission rates were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Participants undergoing intervention (n = 101; 27.9%) showed greater improvements in the ADL and CFS during hospitalization (ADL adjusted estimate, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.11-1.11; p = 0.02; CFS adjusted estimate, -1.11; 95% CI, -1.42- -0.80; p < 0.01), shorter length of hospital stay (adjusted estimate, -5.00; 95% CI, -7.99- -2.47; p < 0.01), lower medical costs (adjusted estimate, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.49-0.69; p < 0.01), and lower 30- and 90-day readmission rates (30-day adjusted OR [aOR], 0.12; 95% CI, 0.27-0.50; p < 0.01; 60-day aOR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01-0.33; p < 0.01) than did controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Participation in the multidomain intervention program during hospitalization improved the functional status and decreased the hospital stay length, medical costs, and readmission rates of frail older people.

Comparative study on the efficiency of motor rehabilitation of the lower limbs using a stationary horizontal bicycle versus a standard therapeutic program

Abstract: The purpose of the present study is to compare the efficiency of two physiother-apeutic programs for rehabilitation of the lower limbs, one using a stationary bicycle and the other one being a standard program, targeting muscle imbalance deficit. Subjects are outpatients - the control group (C n=5), 58.67 ± 11.67 years, received a standard rehabilita-tion program, and the experimental group (E n=5), 56.67 ± 12.14 years, received a pro-posed rehabilitation program implying a stationary bicycle. Equipment used is for muscle imbalances – sensor attached to bicycle pedals, for joint testing – goniometer, for heart rate smart watch, pain assessment – VAS numeric scale, and for perceived effort Borg scale. The rehabilitation program including the stationary horizontal bicycle obtained better re-sults in terms of pain control (T-Test p C/E=.004/.001 and Wilcoxon p C/E=.039/.041) and the correction of muscular imbalances (T-Test p C/E=.003/.000, r= .990/.997) related to the lower limbs, with the mention that both programs recorded statistically significant results regarding functionality. HR values for the control group and experimental group < THR values, aerobic conditioning with the submaximal effort being essential for rehabilitation. Both programs maintained the same perceived level of effort with an average of 3.6 Borg- moderate effort, respectively mild-moderate dyspnea. Keywords: rehabilitation; lower limbs; stationary bicycle; muscle imbalance; pedal sensor; ana-log value; heart rate (HR); target heart rate (THR).

Effect of early progressive mobilization on intensive care unit-acquired weakness in mechanically ventilated patients: An observational study

Early progressive mobilization is usually considered as an effective method for intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW), but the controversies on this topic remain debatable, especially in initiation time, safety profile, and other implementation details. So, more studies should be performed to solve these disputes. A set of critically ill patients underwent mechanical ventilation in intensive care unit (ICU) of our hospital from March 2018 to September 2020 were included as study object. Patients received early progressive mobilization were included into the intervention group (n = 160), and another patients matched with the intervention group by gender, age, and APACHE II score, and these patients received routine intervention were included into the control group (n = 160). Then, indexes involving muscle strength, Barthel index, functional independence, incidence rates of ICU-AW and other complications were comparatively analyzed between the 2 groups. The Medical Research Council score and Barthel index score in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < .05). The percentages of patients who were able to complete taking a shower, wearing clothes, eating, grooming, moving from bed to chair and using the toilet by alone in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (69.38% vs 49.38%, 73.13% vs 51.88%, 81.25% vs 55.63%, 74.38% vs 48.75%, 82.50% vs 65.63%, 78.13% vs 63.13%, respectively, all P < .05). The incidence rate of ICU-AW and overall incidence rate of complications in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (6.88% vs 28.13% and 23.13% vs 48.13%, both P < .05). Early progressive mobilization can effectively increase muscle strength and daily basic motion ability, improve functional status, and decrease risk of ICU-AW in critically ill patients underwent mechanical ventilation, and it has an attractive application value in clinic.

Attenuating Muscle Mass Loss in Critical Illness: the Role of Nutrition and Exercise

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Impaired recovery following an intensive care unit (ICU) admission is thought related to muscle wasting. Nutrition and physical activity are considered potential avenues to attenuate muscle wasting. The aim of this review was to present evidence for these interventions in attenuating muscle loss or improving strength and function.

RECENT FINDINGS

Randomised controlled trials on the impact of nutrition or physical activity interventions in critically ill adult patients on muscle mass, strength or function are presented. No nutrition intervention has shown an effect on strength or function, and the effect on muscle mass is conflicting. RCTs on the effect of physical activity demonstrate conflicting results; yet, there is a signal for improved strength and function with higher levels of physical activity, particularly when commenced early. Further research is needed to elucidate the impact of nutrition and physical activity on muscle mass, strength and function, particularly in combination.

Preoperative Nutritional Optimization and Physical Exercise for Patients Scheduled for Elective Implantation for a Left-Ventricular Assist Device—The PROPER-LVAD Study

Background: Prehabilitation is gaining increasing interest and shows promising effects on short- and long-term outcomes among patients undergoing major surgery. The effect of multimodal, interdisciplinary prehabilitation has not yet been studied in patients with severe heart failure scheduled for the implantation of a left-ventricular assist device (LVAD). Methods: This randomized controlled multi-center study evaluates the effect of preoperative combined optimization of nutritional and functional status. Patients in the intervention group are prescribed daily in-bed cycling and oral nutrition supplements (ONS) from study inclusion until the day before LVAD-implantation. Patients in the control group receive standard of care treatment. The primary outcomes for the pilot study that involves 48 patients are safety (occurrence of adverse events), efficacy (group separation regarding the intake of macronutrients), feasibility of the trial protocol (compliance (percentage of received interventions) and confirmation of recruitment rates. Secondary outcomes include longitudinal measurements of muscle mass, muscle strength, physical function and quality of life, next to traditional clinical outcomes (30-day mortality, hospital and ICU length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation and number of complications and infections). If the pilot study is successful, a larger confirmatory, international multicenter study is warranted.

Intensive care unit-acquired weakness: From molecular mechanisms to its impact in COVID-2019

Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness (ICU-AW) is a generalized and symmetric neuromuscular dysfunction associated with critical illness and its treatments. Its incidence is approximately 80% in intensive care unit patients, and it manifests as critical illness polyneuropathy, critical illness myopathy, and muscle atrophy. Intensive care unit patients can lose an elevated percentage of their muscle mass in the first days after admission, producing short- and long-term sequelae that affect patients’ quality of life, physical health, and mental health. In 2019, the world was faced with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. COVID-19 produces severe respiratory disorders, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, which increases the risk of developing ICU-AW. COVID-19 patients treated in intensive care units have shown early diffuse and symmetrical muscle weakness, polyneuropathy, and myalgia, coinciding with the clinical presentation of ICU-AW. Besides, these patients require prolonged intensive care unit stays, invasive mechanical ventilation, and intensive care unit pharmacological therapy, which are risk factors for ICU-AW. Thus, the purposes of this review are to discuss the features of ICU-AW and its effects on skeletal muscle. Further, we will describe the mechanisms involved in the probable development of ICU-AW in severe COVID-19 patients.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation in the intensive care unit prevents muscle atrophy in critically ill older patients: A retrospective cohort study

Critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) develop muscle atrophy and decreased physical function. Though neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) therapy has been shown to be effective in preventing this, but its effect on older patients is unknown. To examine the course of critically ill older patients treated with NMES in the ICU and to define the impact of its use. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using older ICU patients (≥65 years) categorized into a control group (n = 20) and an NMES group (n = 22). For subgroup analysis, each group was further classified into pre-old age (65-74 years) and old age (≥75 years). The control group showed significant decrease in muscle thickness during ICU and hospital stay. The NMES group showed lower reduction in muscle thickness and showed decrease in muscle echo intensity during hospital stay, compared to the control group. NMES inhibited decrease in muscle thickness in the pre-old age group versus the old age group. The decreasing effect of NMES on echo intensity during hospital stay manifested only in the pre-old age group. We did not find much difference in physical functioning between the NMES and control groups. Lower limb muscle atrophy reduces in critically ill older patients (≥65 years) with NMES and is pronounced in patients aged < 75 years. The impact of NMES on the physical functioning of older patients in ICU needs to be further investigated.

Electrical stimulated GLUT4 signalling attenuates critical illness-associated muscle wasting

BACKGROUND

Critical illness myopathy (CIM) is a debilitating condition characterized by the preferential loss of the motor protein myosin. CIM is a by-product of critical care, attributed to impaired recovery, long-term complications, and mortality. CIM pathophysiology is complex, heterogeneous and remains incompletely understood; however, loss of mechanical stimuli contributes to critical illness-associated muscle atrophy and weakness. Passive mechanical loading and electrical stimulation (ES) therapies augment muscle mass and function. While having beneficial outcomes, the mechanistic underpinning of these therapies is less known. Therefore, here we aimed to assess the mechanism by which chronic supramaximal ES ameliorates CIM in a unique experimental rat model of critical care.

METHODS

Rats were subjected to 8 days of critical care conditions entailing deep sedation, controlled mechanical ventilation, and immobilization with and without direct soleus ES. Muscle size and function were assessed at the single cell level. RNAseq and western blotting were employed to understand the mechanisms driving ES muscle outcomes in CIM.

RESULTS

Following 8 days of controlled mechanical ventilation and immobilization, soleus muscle mass, myosin : actin ratio, and single muscle fibre maximum force normalized to cross-sectional area (CSA; specific force) were reduced by 40-50% (P < 0.0001). ES significantly reduced the loss of soleus muscle fibre CSA and myosin : actin ratio by approximately 30% (P < 0.05) yet failed to effect specific force. RNAseq pathway analysis revealed downregulation of insulin signalling in the soleus muscle following critical care, and GLUT4 trafficking was reduced by 55% leading to an 85% reduction of muscle glycogen content (P < 0.01). ES promoted phosphofructokinase and insulin signalling pathways to control levels (P < 0.05), consistent with the maintenance of GLUT4 translocation and glycogen levels. AMPK, but not AKT, signalling pathway was stimulated following ES, where the downstream target TBC1D4 increased 3 logFC (P = 0.029) and AMPK-specific P-TBC1D4 levels were increased approximately two-fold (P = 0.06). Reduction of muscle protein degradation rather than increased synthesis promoted soleus CSA, as ES reduced E3 ubiquitin proteins, Atrogin-1 (P = 0.006) and MuRF1 (P = 0.08) by approximately 50%, downstream of AMPK-FoxO3.

CONCLUSIONS

ES maintained GLUT4 translocation through increased AMPK-TBC1D4 signalling leading to improved muscle glucose homeostasis. Soleus CSA and myosin content was promoted through reduced protein degradation via AMPK-FoxO3 E3 ligases, Atrogin-1 and MuRF1. These results demonstrate chronic supramaximal ES reduces critical care associated muscle wasting, preserved glucose signalling, and reduced muscle protein degradation in CIM.

ARDS Clinical Practice Guideline 2021

Background

The joint committee of the Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine/Japanese Respiratory Society/Japanese Society of Respiratory Care Medicine on ARDS Clinical Practice Guideline has created and released the ARDS Clinical Practice Guideline 2021.

Methods

The 2016 edition of the Clinical Practice Guideline covered clinical questions (CQs) that targeted only adults, but the present guideline includes 15 CQs for children in addition to 46 CQs for adults. As with the previous edition, we used a systematic review method with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system as well as a degree of recommendation determination method. We also conducted systematic reviews that used meta-analyses of diagnostic accuracy and network meta-analyses as a new method.

Results

Recommendations for adult patients with ARDS are described: we suggest against using serum C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels to identify bacterial pneumonia as the underlying disease (GRADE 2D); we recommend limiting tidal volume to 4–8 mL/kg for mechanical ventilation (GRADE 1D); we recommend against managements targeting an excessively low SpO₂ (PaO₂) (GRADE 2D); we suggest against using transpulmonary pressure as a routine basis in positive end-expiratory pressure settings (GRADE 2B); we suggest implementing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for those with severe ARDS (GRADE 2B); we suggest against using high-dose steroids (GRADE 2C); and we recommend using low-dose steroids (GRADE 1B). The recommendations for pediatric patients with ARDS are as follows: we suggest against using non-invasive respiratory support (non-invasive positive pressure ventilation/high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy) (GRADE 2D), we suggest placing pediatric patients with moderate ARDS in the prone position (GRADE 2D), we suggest against routinely implementing NO inhalation therapy (GRADE 2C), and we suggest against implementing daily sedation interruption for pediatric patients with respiratory failure (GRADE 2D).

Conclusions

This article is a translated summary of the full version of the ARDS Clinical Practice Guideline 2021 published in Japanese (URL: https://www.jsicm.org/publication/guideline.html). The original text, which was written for Japanese healthcare professionals, may include different perspectives from healthcare professionals of other countries.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40560-022-00615-6.

Safety and Feasibility Assessment of Repetitive Vascular Occlusion Stimulus (RVOS) Application to Multi-Organ Failure Critically Ill Patients: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial

Muscle wasting is implicated in the pathogenesis of intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICU-AW), affecting 40% of patients and causing long-term physical disability. A repetitive vascular occlusion stimulus (RVOS) limits muscle atrophy in healthy and orthopaedic subjects, thus, we explored its application to ICU patients. Adult multi-organ failure patients received standard care +/- twice daily RVOS {4 cycles of 5 min tourniquet inflation to 50 mmHg supra-systolic blood pressure, and 5 min complete deflation} for 10 days. Serious adverse events (SAEs), tolerability, feasibility, acceptability, and exploratory outcomes of the rectus femoris cross-sectional area (RFCSA), echogenicity, clinical outcomes, and blood biomarkers were assessed. Only 12 of the intended 32 participants were recruited. RVOS sessions (76.1%) were delivered to five participants and two could not tolerate it. No SAEs occurred; 75% of participants and 82% of clinical staff strongly agreed or agreed that RVOS is an acceptable treatment. RFCSA fell significantly and echogenicity increased in controls (n = 5) and intervention subjects (n = 4). The intervention group was associated with less frequent acute kidney injury (AKI), a greater decrease in the total sequential organ failure assessment score (SOFA) score, and increased insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and reduced syndecan-1, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and Tumor necrosis factor receptor type II (TNF-RII) levels. RVOS application appears safe and acceptable, but protocol modifications are required to improve tolerability and recruitment. There were signals of possible clinical benefit relating to RVOS application.

ARDS clinical practice guideline 2021

BACKGROUND

The joint committee of the Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine/Japanese Respiratory Society/Japanese Society of Respiratory Care Medicine on ARDS Clinical Practice Guideline has created and released the ARDS Clinical Practice Guideline 2021.

METHODS

The 2016 edition of the Clinical Practice Guideline covered clinical questions (CQs) that targeted only adults, but the present guideline includes 15 CQs for children in addition to 46 CQs for adults. As with the previous edition, we used a systematic review method with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system as well as a degree of recommendation determination method. We also conducted systematic reviews that used meta-analyses of diagnostic accuracy and network meta-analyses as a new method.

RESULTS

Recommendations for adult patients with ARDS are described: we suggest against using serum C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels to identify bacterial pneumonia as the underlying disease (GRADE 2D); we recommend limiting tidal volume to 4-8 mL/kg for mechanical ventilation (GRADE 1D); we recommend against managements targeting an excessively low SpO₂ (PaO₂) (GRADE 2D); we suggest against using transpulmonary pressure as a routine basis in positive end-expiratory pressure settings (GRADE 2B); we suggest implementing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for those with severe ARDS (GRADE 2B); we suggest against using high-dose steroids (GRADE 2C); and we recommend using low-dose steroids (GRADE 1B). The recommendations for pediatric patients with ARDS are as follows: we suggest against using non-invasive respiratory support (non-invasive positive pressure ventilation/high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy) (GRADE 2D); we suggest placing pediatric patients with moderate ARDS in the prone position (GRADE 2D); we suggest against routinely implementing NO inhalation therapy (GRADE 2C); and we suggest against implementing daily sedation interruption for pediatric patients with respiratory failure (GRADE 2D).

CONCLUSIONS

This article is a translated summary of the full version of the ARDS Clinical Practice Guideline 2021 published in Japanese (URL: https://www.jrs.or.jp/publication/jrs_guidelines/). The original text, which was written for Japanese healthcare professionals, may include different perspectives from healthcare professionals of other countries.

Passive motion of the lower extremities in sedated and ventilated patients in the ICU - a systematic review of early effects and replicability of Interventions

Early mobilization, which includes active / passive motion in bed along with mobilization out of bed, is recommended to prevent the development of intensive care unit acquired-weakness (ICU-AW) for patients with critical illness on the intensive care unit. To date, the impact of passive motion of the lower extremities in sedated and ventilated patients remains unclear. The aim of the study is to systematically review and summarize the currently available randomized controlled trials in English or German language on the impact of passive motion of the lower extremities in sedated and ventilated patients ≥ 18 years in the intensive care unit on musculature, inflammation and immune system and the development of intensive care unit-acquired weakness and to evaluate the replicability of interventions and the methodological quality of included studies. A systematic literature search was performed up to 20th February 2022 in the databases Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and PEDro. The description of the intervention (TIDieR checklist) and the methodological quality (Downs and Black checklist) were assessed. Five studies were included in the qualitative syntheses. On average, the studies were rated with 6.8 out of 12 points according to the TIDieR checklist. For the methodological quality an average of 19.8 out of 27 points on the Downs and Black checklist was reported. The results of included studies indicated that muscle loss may be reduced by passive manual movement, passive cycling and passive motion on a continuous passive motion-unit. In addition, positive effects were reported on the reduction of nitrosative stress and the immune response. The impact on the development of ICU-AW remains unclear. In conclusion, passive movement show a slight tendency for beneficial changes on cellular level in sedated and ventilated patients in the ICU within the first days of admission, which may indicate a reduction of muscle wasting and could prevent the development of ICU-AW. Future randomized controlled trials should use larger samples, use complete intervention description, use a comparable set of outcome measures, use rigorous methodology and examine the effect of passive motion on the development of ICU-AW.

Therapeutic Potential of Electromyostimulation (EMS) in Critically Ill Patients—A Systematic Review

Ample evidence exists that intensive care unit (ICU) treatment and invasive ventilation induce a transient or permanent decline in muscle mass and function. The functional deficit is often called ICU-acquired weakness with critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) and/or myopathy (CIM) being the major underlying causes. Histopathological studies in ICU patients indicate loss of myosin filaments, muscle fiber necrosis, atrophy of both muscle fiber types as well as axonal degeneration. Besides medical prevention of risk factors such as sepsis, hyperglycemia and pneumonia, treatment is limited to early passive and active mobilization and one third of CIP/CIM patients discharged from ICU never regain their pre-hospitalization constitution. Electromyostimulation [EMS, also termed neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)] is known to improve strength and function of healthy and already atrophied muscle, and may increase muscle blood flow and induce angiogenesis as well as beneficial systemic vascular adaptations. This systematic review aimed to investigate evidence from randomized controlled trails (RCTs) on the efficacy of EMS to improve the condition of critically ill patients treated on ICU. A systematic search of the literature was conducted using PubMed (Medline), CENTRAL (including Embase and CINAHL), and Google Scholar. Out of 1,917 identified records, 26 articles (1,312 patients) fulfilled the eligibility criteria of investigating at least one functional measure including muscle function, functional independence, or weaning outcomes using a RCT design in critically ill ICU patients. A qualitative approach was used, and results were structured by 1) stimulated muscles/muscle area (quadriceps muscle only; two to four leg muscle groups; legs and arms; chest and abdomen) and 2) treatment duration (≤10 days, >10 days). Stimulation parameters (impulse frequency, pulse width, intensity, duty cycle) were also collected and the net EMS treatment time was calculated. A high grade of heterogeneity between studies was detected with major cofactors being the analyzed patient group and selected outcome variable. The overall efficacy of EMS was inconclusive and neither treatment duration, stimulation site or net EMS treatment time had clear effects on study outcomes. Based on our findings, we provide practical recommendations and suggestions for future studies investigating the therapeutic efficacy of EMS in critically ill patients.

Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42021262287].

Hidden Agenda - The Involvement of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Unfolded Protein Response in Inflammation-Induced Muscle Wasting

Critically ill patients at the intensive care unit (ICU) often develop a generalized weakness, called ICU-acquired weakness (ICUAW). A major contributor to ICUAW is muscle atrophy, a loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. Skeletal muscle assures almost all of the vital functions of our body. It adapts rapidly in response to physiological as well as pathological stress, such as inactivity, immobilization, and inflammation. In response to a reduced workload or inflammation muscle atrophy develops. Recent work suggests that adaptive or maladaptive processes in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), also known as sarcoplasmic reticulum, contributes to this process. In muscle cells, the ER is a highly specialized cellular organelle that assures calcium homeostasis and therefore muscle contraction. The ER also assures correct folding of proteins that are secreted or localized to the cell membrane. Protein folding is a highly error prone process and accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins can cause ER stress, which is counteracted by the activation of a signaling network known as the unfolded protein response (UPR). Three ER membrane residing molecules, protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), inositol requiring protein 1a (IRE1a), and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) initiate the UPR. The UPR aims to restore ER homeostasis by reducing overall protein synthesis and increasing gene expression of various ER chaperone proteins. If ER stress persists or cannot be resolved cell death pathways are activated. Although, ER stress-induced UPR pathways are known to be important for regulation of skeletal muscle mass and function as well as for inflammation and immune response its function in ICUAW is still elusive. Given recent advances in the development of ER stress modifying molecules for neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, it is important to know whether or not therapeutic interventions in ER stress pathways have favorable effects and these compounds can be used to prevent or treat ICUAW. In this review, we focus on the role of ER stress-induced UPR in skeletal muscle during critical illness and in response to predisposing risk factors such as immobilization, starvation and inflammation as well as ICUAW treatment to foster research for this devastating clinical problem.

Early Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Addition to Early Mobilization Improves Functional Status and Decreases Hospitalization Days of Critically Ill Patients

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of the additional use of early neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on an early mobilization (EM) protocol.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

ICU of the Clinical Hospital of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil.

PATIENTS

One hundred and thirty-nine consecutive mechanically ventilated patients were included in the first 48 hours of ICU admission.

INTERVENTIONS

The patients were divided into two groups: EM and EM+NMES. Both groups received EM daily. In the EM+NMES group, patients additionally received NMES 5 days a week, for 60 minutes, starting in the first 48 hours of ICU admission until ICU discharge.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Functional status, muscle strength, ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS), frequency of delirium, days on mechanical ventilation, mortality, and quality of life were assessed. Patients in the EM+NMES group presented a significant higher score of functional status measured by the Functional Status Score for the ICU scale when compared with the EM group in the first day awake: 22 (15-26) versus 12 (8-22) (p = 0.019); at ICU discharge: 28 (21-33) versus 18 (11-26) (p = 0.004); and hospital discharge: 33 (27-35) versus 25 (17-33) (p = 0.014), respectively. They also had better functional status measured by the Physical Function Test in the ICU scale, took less days to stand up during the ICU stay, and had a significant shorter hospital LOS, lower frequency of ICU-acquired weakness, and better global muscle strength.

CONCLUSIONS

The additional application of early NMES promoted better functional status outcomes on the first day awake and at ICU and hospital discharge. The patients in the EM+NMES group also took fewer days to stand up and had shorter hospital LOS, lower frequency of ICU-acquired weakness, and better muscle strength. Future studies are still necessary to clarify the effects of therapies associated with EM, especially to assess long-term outcomes.

Effect of Combined Protein-Enriched Enteral Nutrition and Early Cycle Ergometry in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Patients—A Pilot Study

Background: Cycle ergometry (CE) is a method of exercise used in clinical practice. Limited data demonstrate its effectiveness in critically ill patients. We aimed to evaluate the combination of CE and a high-protein diet in critically ill patients. Methods: This was an open label pilot trial comparing conventional physiotherapy with enteral nutrition (EN) (control, Group 1), CE with EN (Group 2), and CE with protein-enriched EN (Group 3). The primary outcome was length of ventilation (LOV). Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) mortality, length of ICU stay (ICU LOS), length of hospital stay (Hospital LOS), and rate of re-intubation. Results: Per protocol, 41 ICU patients were enrolled. Thirteen patients were randomized to Group 1 (control), fourteen patients to Group 2, and fourteen patients to Group 3 (study groups). We found no statistically significant difference in LOV between the study arms (14.2 ± 9.6 days, 15.8 ± 7.1 days, and 14.9 ± 9.4 days, respectively, p = 0.89). Secondary outcomes did not demonstrate any significant differences between arms. Conclusions: In this pilot trial, CE combined with either standard EN or protein-enriched EN was not associated with better clinical outcomes, as compared to conventional physiotherapy with standard EN. Larger trials are needed in order to further evaluate this combination.

Effects of physical therapy with neuromuscular electrical stimulation in acute and late septic shock patients: A randomised crossover clinical trial

Background

Patients with sepsis and immobility in the intensive care unit are associated with muscle weakness, and early mobilisation can counteract it. However, during septic shock, mobilisation is often delayed due to the severity of the illness. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may be an alternative to mobilise these patients early. This study aims to identify whether NMES performed within the first 72 hours of septic shock diagnosis or later is safe from a metabolic perspective.

Methods

This is the analysis of two randomised controlled crossover studies. Patients with acute septic shock (within the first 72 hours of diagnosis) and sepsis and septic shock in the late phase (after 72 hours of diagnosis) were eligible. Patients were submitted in a random order to the intervention protocol (dorsal decubitus position with the lower limbs raised and NMES) and control (dorsal decubitus position with the lower limbs raised without NMES). The patients were allocated in group 1 (intervention and control) or group 2 (control and intervention) with a wash-out period of 4 to 6 hours. Metabolic variables were evaluated by indirect calorimetry.

Results

Sixteen patients were analysed in the acute septic shock study and 21 in the late sepsis/septic shock study. There were no significant differences between Oxygen Consumption (VO₂) values in the acute phase of septic shock when the baseline period, intervention, and control protocols were compared (186.59 ± 46.10; 183.64 ± 41.39; 188.97 ± 44.88, p>0.05- expressed in mL/Kg/min). The same was observed when the VO₂ values in the late phase were compared (224.22 ± 53.09; 226.20 ± 49.64; 226.79 ± 58.25, p>0.05). The other metabolic variables followed the same pattern, with no significant differences between the protocols. When metabolic variables were compared between acute to late phase, significant differences were observed (p<0.05).

Conclusions

As metabolic rates in septic shock patients had no increase during NMES, either in the first 72 hours of diagnosis or later, NMES can be considered safe from a metabolic viewpoint, even despite the higher metabolic demand in the acute phase of shock.

Trial registration

NCT03193164; NCT03815994. Registered on June 5, 2017; November 13, 2018 (clinicaltrials.gov/).

Effect of Position Change From the Bed to a Wheelchair on the Regional Ventilation Distribution Assessed by Electrical Impedance Tomography in Patients With Respiratory Failure

Background: There is limited knowledge about the effect of position change on regional lung ventilation in patients with respiratory failure. This study aimed to examine the physiological alteration of regional lung ventilation during the position change from lying in bed to sitting on a wheelchair.

Methods: In this study, 41 patients with respiratory failure who were weaned from the ventilators were prospectively enrolled. The electrical impedance tomography (EIT) was used to assess the regional lung ventilation distribution at four time points (T_base: baseline, supine position in the bed, T_30min: sitting position in the wheelchair after 30 min, T_60min: sitting position in the wheelchair after 60 min, T_return: the same supine position in the bed after position changing). The EIT-based global inhomogeneity (GI) and center of ventilation (CoV) indices were calculated. The EIT images were equally divided into four ventral-to-dorsal horizontal regions of interest (ROIs 1–4). Depending on the improvement in ventilation distribution in the dependent regions at T_60min (threshold set to 15%), the patients were divided into the dorsal ventilation improved (DVI) and not improved (non-DVI) groups.

Results: When the patients moved from the bed to a wheelchair, there was a significant and continuous increase in ventilation in the dorsal regions (ROI 3 + 4: 45.9 ± 12.1, 48.7 ± 11.6, 49.9 ± 12.6, 48.8 ± 10.6 for T_base, T_30min, T_60min, and T_return, respectively; p = 0.015) and CoV (48.2 ± 10.1, 50.1 ± 9.2, 50.5 ± 9.6, and 49.5 ± 8.6, p = 0.047). In addition, there was a significant decrease in GI at T_60min compared with T_base. The DVI group (n = 18) had significantly higher oxygenation levels than the non-DVI group (n = 23) after position changing. ROI4_Tbase was significantly negatively correlated with the ΔSpO₂ (R = 0.72, p < 0.001). Using a cutoff value of 6.5%, ROI4_Tbase had 79.2% specificity and 58.8% sensitivity in indicating the increase in the dorsal region related to the position change. The corresponding area under the curve (AUC) was 0.806 (95% CI, 0.677–0.936).

Conclusions: Position change may improve the ventilation distribution in the study patients. The EIT can visualize real-time changes of the regional lung ventilation at the bedside to guide the body position change of the patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and measure the effect of clinical practice.

Trial Registration: Effect of Early Mobilization on Regional Lung Ventilation Assessed by EIT, NCT04081129. Registered 9 June 2019—Retrospectively registered. https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S00096WT&selectaction=Edit&uid=U00020D9&ts=2&cx=v2cwij.

Rehabilitation Programs for Bedridden Patients with Prolonged Immobility: A Scoping Review Protocol

Bedridden patients usually stay in bed for long periods, presenting several motor problems caused by immobility, such as reductions in muscle mass, bone mineral density and physical impairment, resulting in a long recovery process. Thus, identifying physical rehabilitation programs for bedridden patients with prolonged immobility is a matter of urgent research for a solution that will help health professionals and stakeholders to develop more adjusted programs and identify possible gaps. To date, no previous scoping reviews addressing this purpose have been found. This scoping review will be guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, will focus on physical rehabilitation programs for bedridden patients with prolonged immobility and aims to map the programs, the devices used, and the parameters assessed. A relevant set of electronic databases and grey literature will be searched. Data extraction will be conducted using a tool developed by the research team that will address the review objectives and questions. Data synthesis will be presented in tabular form and a narrative summary aligned with the review's objective. This scoping review will contribute to the improvement of clinical practice, identifying key challenges that might justify the need to develop new programs suitable in clinical and organizational contexts.