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

Summary

Immobility and mechanical ventilation in intensive care unit (ICU) patients lead to muscle weakness and loss, particularly in antigravity and respiratory muscles. Early physiotherapy interventions are crucial to prevent complications, reduce side effects, shorten intubation time, and lower patient costs. ICU physiotherapy includes chest physiotherapy, range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, mobilization, positioning, and inspiratory/peripheral muscle training.

Muscle training plays a key role in ICU physiotherapy. Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is a promising, side-effect-free intervention to enhance muscle strength in various populations. Its effects result from neuromuscular responses to mechanical vibrations and the tonic vibration reflex. WBV has been reported to improve muscle strength, elasticity, circulation, and balance while reducing pain and fall risk. However, its effects on ICU patients remain unclear. To date, only one study has shown increased muscle electrical activity in ICU patients after WBV, but no research has evaluated changes in muscle strength, mass, or elasticity.

Another method used in muscle training is neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), which prevents muscle atrophy, strengthens muscles, and restores endurance. NMES is suitable for patients with limited cooperation, making it an alternative to active exercise. No study has compared NMES and WBV in immobile ICU patients. Given the limited non-pharmacological options in ICU care, particularly for unconscious or uncooperative patients, identifying effective alternatives is essential.

This study aims to compare the effects of WBV and NMES on respiratory muscle strength, respiratory parameters, and muscle mass, composition, elasticity, and strength in ICU patients. Participants will be divided into three groups: WBV (n=15), NMES (n=15), and conventional therapy only (n=15). All groups will receive conventional therapy five days a week for four weeks, with WBV added to the first group and NMES to the second. Functional status, muscle assessments, grip strength, respiratory muscle strength, and respiratory parameters will be evaluated at baseline and study completion.

The findings will provide objective data on the effectiveness of WBV and NMES in ICU patients, guiding future research and treatment while contributing to national and international literature.

Conditions

• Intensive Care Patients
• Whole Body Vibration

Interventions

OTHER

whole body vibration

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.

DEVICE

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

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.

OTHER

Conventional Physiotherapy

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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istinye University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

80 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-12-20

Primary Completion

2025-02-15

Completion

2025-03-25

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations