Functional electrical stimulation in-bed cycle ergometry in mechanically ventilated patients: A multicentre randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effect of functional electrical stimulation-assisted cycle ergometry (FES-cycling) on muscle strength, cognitive impairment and related outcomes. Methods: Mechanically ventilated patients aged ≥18 years with sepsis or systemic inflammatory response syndrome were randomised to either 60 min of FES-cycling >5 days/week while in the intensive care unit (ICU) plus usual care rehabilitation versus usual care rehabilitation alone, with evaluation of two primary outcomes: (1) muscle strength at hospital discharge and (2) cognitive impairment at 6-month follow-up. Results: We enrolled 162 participants, across four study sites experienced in ICU rehabilitation in Australia..