Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Critically Ill Patients Aged 80 and Over

"The medium-frequency NMES protocol, as reported in previous studies, consists of a carrier frequency of 2,500 Hz, a treatment frequency of 100 Hz, an ON time of 5 seconds (1 second ramp-up, 3 seconds contraction, and 1 second ramp-down), and an OFF time of 10 seconds. This stimulation protocol will be applied for 20 minutes per session (40 minutes of NMES per treatment day).~Two electrodes will be placed on each thigh, located at the motor point of the quadriceps muscle. Electrode positions will be marked with a semi-permanent marker to ensure consistent placement across sessions."

Participants of the fourth age (≥80 years old) will receive the standard physical therapy routinely provided during their hospitalization. This intervention involves passive mobilization of the lower limbs, specifically within the ranges of hip flexion, knee flexion and extension, and ankle flexion and extension. One set of 10 bilateral repetitions will be performed while the patient is under sedation in the ICU. Once the patient is awake, the mobilization protocol routinely used in the same unit will be followed.