Intensive Care Unit Rehabilitation Protocols

Effects of Two Different Rehabilitation Protocols on Mobility, Functional Status, Muscle Parameters, and Hemodynamic Responses in Intensive Care Patients

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of NMES combination applied in addition to bicycle ergometry on mobility, functional status, muscle strength and hemodynamic responses in ICU patients.

Participants will:

• Exercise training will be performed using the bicycle ergometer method, under the supervision of a physiotherapist, for 30 minutes a day for 5 consecutive days, at the earliest stage when the patient is clinically stable.
• The other group will perform a 30-minute quadriceps muscle NMES session applied with a 4-channel electrical stimulator for 5 consecutive days in addition to the bicycle ergometer.
• Evaluations for both groups will be made on the first day of the study (before starting the exercise training) and at the end of the fifth day (after the exercise training).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 18 years
• Admitted to medical intensive care unit
• Expected intensive care unit stay > 48 hours
• Hemodynamically stable

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe neurological injury (e.g., acute stroke, spinal cord injury)
• Terminal illness with palliative care decision
• Severe orthopedic limitations preventing mobilization
• Pregnancy