A cuff that squeezes the leg might save muscle in ICU patients

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age ≥ 18 years; 2. Received invasive mechanical ventilation for ≥ 48 hours; 3. Meets the clinical diagnosis criteria for ICUAW: The patient has reached a level of consciousness that allows for reliable assessment of voluntary muscle strength, is able to execute standardized motor commands, has an MRC-SS \< 48 points, and has no other clearly identifiable cause that explains the muscle weakness; 4. RASS score of -1 to 0, and is able to cooperate with the prescribed muscle strength assessment and rehabilitation training; 5. Current vital signs and respiratory and circulatory status are stable, meeting the safety conditions for rehabilitation training, as assessed by clinical physicians and rehabilitation therapists; 6. The patient or their legal representative has signed the informed consent form, voluntarily participating in the study. Exclusion Criteria: 1. The presence of pre-existing central or peripheral nervous system diseases, neuromuscular diseases, or severe motor function disorders that significantly affect limb strength or motor function prior to ICU admission; 2. The presence of active deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, significant peripheral arterial disease, limb ischemia, or other severe lower limb vascular diseases; 3. Severe coagulation function abnormalities, active bleeding, or a clinically judged unacceptable risk of thrombosis/hemorrhage; 4. The presence of fractures, open wounds, local infections, significant skin damage, or other conditions in the target lower limb that are unsuitable for cuff compression and exercise training; 5. Recent acute coronary syndrome, decompensated heart failure, uncontrolled severe arrhythmias, or other active cardiovascular diseases that are unsuitable for BFRT; 6. Instability in respiratory or circulatory status at the time of screening, or the need for new or significantly increased use of vasoactive drugs, failing to meet the safety criteria for rehabilitation training; such individuals may be rescreened after their condition stabilizes; 7. Anticipation of imminent death, or a decision to limit or withdraw life support treatment; 8. Allergy to the cuff material, or the circumference of the target limb is not compatible with the cuff being used; 9. Inability to reliably complete specified assessments such as MRC-SS after adequate arousal.