Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Critically Ill Patients

Abstract Intensive care unit (ICU)–acquired weakness is one of the most frequent complications after ICU admission. The resulting sequelae may occur even years after discharge from the ICU; unfortunately, there are scanty data about effectively treatment that can counteract the muscle deconditioning. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), widely used for several purposes, aims to maintain muscle trophism and function in critically ill patients. NMES may also be used as a diagnostic tool that can provide important information on the muscle state. This chapter provides the basic concepts, physiological mechanisms of NMES, and the latest evidence in the treatment of sepsis and acute respiratory failure, proposing an algorithm, and focusing on the proper execution of this physical therapy.