Whole-Body Electrical Stimulation in Patients Undergoing Lung Transplantation

The protocol with whole-body electrical stimulation will begin in the intensive care unit and will be completed in the inpatient unit. To stimulate all proposed muscle groups, self-adhesive electrodes will be positioned bilaterally on the quadriceps femoris, tibialis anterior, biceps brachii and lower rectus abdominis muscles. The frequency of 75 Hz will be adopted and the intensity will be adjusted to cause visible muscle contraction. The progression of the therapy protocol will occur throughout the sessions aiming to reach 20 minutes of therapy and 80 contractions.

The protocol will be based on knee and hip flexion and extension movements; hip adduction and abduction; flexion and extension of shoulders, elbows and wrists; shoulder abduction and adduction; respecting the range of each joint. Volunteers will also perform transfers from lying to sitting and standing positions. Respiratory conduct will be based on ventilation patterns, bronchial hygiene maneuvers and cough.