Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Investigation of the Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

This study aimed to investigate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on peripheral muscles and other physical and psychosocial variables in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. This study was designed as an assessor-blind randomized controlled trial. Thirty-one patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension will be recruited. The participants will randomly divided two parallel groups as treatment and control. For the treatment group, neuromuscular electrical stimulation will be applied to the bilateral deltoid and quadriceps femoris muscles with 50 Hz for 3 days/week, 8 weeks. Control group will not be received any additional treatment, just given healthy life recommendations such as walking. The participants will be assessed before and after the treatment by a blind assessor to the group allocation. The outcome measure will be assessments of the upper and lower limb muscle strength, respiratory muscle strength, muscle cross-sectional area and thickness, pulse wave velocity, exercise capacity, walking speed, functional mobility and balance performances, balance confidence, fatigue perceptions, physical activity level, activities of daily living and quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Elevated pulmonary artery pressures measured by right heart catheterization
• New York Heart Association class II or III
• Stabile Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension-specific pharmaceutical therapy for 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Orthopaedic problems
• Significant restrictive or obstructive pulmonary disease
• Acute cor pulmonale.