Zapping muscles in the ICU: a simple way to stop weakness?
NCT ID NCT06409611
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can prevent muscle wasting in patients on mechanical ventilators in the ICU. 22 adults were split into a control group and an NMES group, receiving stimulation sessions for at least 7 days. Researchers used ultrasound to measure muscle changes like thickness and quality.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) device
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a simple way to prevent muscle weakness in ICU patients on breathing machines.
What could go wrong
This is a very small, early study (22 people) that only measured muscle changes with ultrasound, not long-term outcomes. Results may not apply to all ICU patients.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Pedro Ernesto University Hospital
Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 20551-030, Brazil
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State University of Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 20551-030, Brazil
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Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 20950-000, Brazil