Impact of Whole Body Vibration on Muscle Function and Respiratory Parameters in Intensive Care Patients

In the group receiving whole-body vibration in addition to conventional treatment, the whole-body vibration will be performed with the patient's hips and knees in approximately 20° flexion, and the bed inclined to 25-30°. The vibration platform will be fixed at the end of the bed, and the patients will apply pressure with their feet on the platform. The whole-body vibration will be administered for 3 minutes, 1-4 sets, at a frequency of 20-25 Hz, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks, depending on the protocol, in addition to conventional physiotherapy.

In this group, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) will be applied to the targeted muscle groups. The application will be carried out with the patient in a comfortable seated or lying position. Stimulation parameters will be set as follows: a frequency of 35-50 Hz, a pulse duration of 200-400 microseconds, and an intensity adjusted to elicit visible muscle contractions without causing discomfort. NMES will be applied for 20-30 minutes per session, 3-5 times a week, for 4-6 weeks, depending on the protocol, in addition to conventional physiotherapy.

The conventional treatment program will include normal range of motion, airway clearance techniques, breathing exercises, and mobilization.