Early pulmonary and physical rehabilitation in cooperative patients in the respiratory ICU

Background ICU-acquired weakness (AW) is a common complication in the ICU, which needs more attention because it affects the patients' outcome. It has subtypes that differ in its pathology. Many risk factors contribute to that problem through different mechanisms. ICU-AW is diagnosed clinically and by other investigations. Objective To assess whether early recognition of ICU-AW and early rehabilitation in respiratory ICU might improve patients' functional recovery and outcomes. Patients and methods A randomized controlled study was conducted on 50 patients in the respiratory ICU, who were divided into two groups. Both groups received the same rehabilitation program, but the study group received neuromuscular electrical stimulation, whereas the control group received sham treatment. The program was 4 days per week for 2 weeks. All patients were assessed before and after treatment by measuring midthigh, midleg, and midarm circumferences and assessment of the muscle strength using the Medical Research Council sum score. Results Both groups were matched demographically and in the pretreatment assessment. There were posttreatment significant changes in both groups, but when comparing the changes, it was more significant in the study group. The outcomes for both groups regarding ICU-AW were similar. Conclusion ICU-AW can be ameliorated by focusing on early rehabilitation, especially with the usage of neuromuscular electrical stimulation.