Electrical neuromuscular stimulation (EENM) effects on respiratory and motor function in critically ill individuals

Efeitos da estimulação elétrica neuromuscular (EENM) na função respiratória e motora de indivíduos críticos

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17765/2176-9206.2025v18e12985

Keywords:

Electrical Stimulation Therapy, Physiotherapy, Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Physiotherapeutic care planning for critically ill patients in Intensive Care Units progresses daily. Considering this fact, this study reported the effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) on the respiratory and motor function of hospitalized patients using invasive ventilatory support. Based on an integrative review in the PubMed and PEDro databases, between November 2023 and February 2024, randomized clinical trials related to the topic were filtered and evaluated as well as their methodological quality. Initially, 128 articles were collected, with a final sample of 6 studies after assessing the inclusion criteria. It was possible to conclude that NMES in critically ill patients affects muscle strength gain, reduced hospitalization time, and shorter duration of Invasive Mechanical Ventilation (IMV), both in isolation and combination with conventional physiotherapy. Further studies on the subject are essential to better understand the potential of NMES in these patients.

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Author Biographies

Anderson Procópio Viana, Federal University of Paraná

Graduated in Physiotherapy from Salgado de Oliveira University - Juiz de Fora - MG (2017). Specialist in Physiotherapy in Adult Intensive Care from Faculdade Inspirar - Curitiba - PR (2021). Currently a public servant with the position of Physiotherapist in the Adult Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital and Maternity São José dos Pinhais - PR.

Zaqueline Fernandes Guerra, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences of Juiz de Fora

Physiotherapist specializing in Cardiovascular Physiotherapy by COFFITO / ASSOBRAFIR (2022) and Physiotherapist specializing in Neurofunctional Physiotherapy for adults and the elderly with certification by COFFITO / ABRAFIN (2020). Post-doctorate in Rehabilitation Sciences from the FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF MINAS GERAIS (UFMG), PhD in Health from the Stricto Sensu Postgraduate Program of the Faculty of Medicine of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF) with the thesis "Effects of Mental Practice on the recovery of mobility after Stroke (CVA)". Master in Biodynamics of Human Movement from UFJF with the dissertation "Cardiac autonomic modulation at rest and in recovery after maximum effort". Graduated in Physiotherapy from UFJF in 2001. She has a Lato-sensu Postgraduate Degree in Neurofunctional Physiotherapy from the Catholic University of Petrópolis (UCP). She has been a professor of the Physiotherapy course at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences of Juiz de Fora (SUPREMA) since 2006, where she is responsible for the subjects of Neurofunctional Physiotherapy, Cardiovascular Physiotherapy, Neurophysiology and Complementary Exams, as well as a tutor in the course internship. She was a professor of the Physiotherapy course at Universidade Salgado de Oliveira (UNIVERSO) from 2005 to 2019, teaching the subjects of Cardiological Physiotherapy I and II, Neurological I and II, Neurophysiology and CBT I and II. She was a delegate of the Brazilian Association of Neurofunctional Physiotherapy - ABRAFIN- MG from 2016 to 2020 and is currently a member of ASSOBRAFIR and ABENFISIO.

Arlete Ana Motter , Federal University of Paraná

She holds a degree in Physiotherapy from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (1992), a postgraduate degree in Cardio Respiratory Physiotherapy from UTP (1997) and Functional Orthopedic Trauma (2005) from COFFITO, a master's degree (2001) and a doctorate (2007) in Production Engineering, with an emphasis on Ergonomics, from the Federal University of Santa Catarina, and a postdoctorate in Occupational Psychology from the University of Porto, Portugal. She has advanced training in Global Postural Reeducation (RPG) and Iso Stretching. She was part of the first class of Temporary Physiotherapist Officers of the Ministry of Defense - Brazilian Army. She is an Associate Professor IV at the Federal University of Paraná, in the Physiotherapy Course, and a Professor in the Postgraduate Program in Public Health at UFPR. He has experience in the area of ​​hospital, outpatient and clinical physiotherapy, working mainly in the following areas: ergonomics, worker health, cardiorespiratory and occupational physiotherapy.

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Published

2025-11-23

How to Cite

Viana, A. P., Guerra, Z. F., & Motter , A. A. (2025). Electrical neuromuscular stimulation (EENM) effects on respiratory and motor function in critically ill individuals: Efeitos da estimulação elétrica neuromuscular (EENM) na função respiratória e motora de indivíduos críticos. Saúde E Pesquisa, 18, e12985. https://doi.org/10.17765/2176-9206.2025v18e12985

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Artigos de Revisão