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Updated: May 9, 2026
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Published on: January 10, 2013
Electrical muscle stimulation in the intensive care setting: a systematic review
Selina M Parry1, Sue Berney, Catherine L Granger
11Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. 2Department of Physiotherapy, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia. 3Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
Context:
The role of electrical muscle stimulation in intensive care has not previously been systematically reviewed.
Objectives:
To identify, evaluate, and synthesize the evidence examining the effectiveness and the safety of electrical muscle stimulation in the intensive care, and the optimal intervention variables.
Data Sources:
A systematic review of articles using eight electronic databases (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica Database, Expanded Academic ASAP, MEDLINE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, PubMed, and Scopus) personal files were searched, and cross-referencing was undertaken.
Eligibility Criteria:
Quantitative studies published in English, assessing electrical muscle stimulation in intensive care, were included.
Data Extraction And Data Synthesis:
One reviewer extracted data using a standardized form, which were cross-checked by a second reviewer. Quality appraisal was undertaken by two independent reviewers using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database and Newcastle-Ottawa scales, and the National Health and Medical Research Council Hierarchy of Evidence Scale. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews guidelines were followed.
Results:
Nine studies on six individual patient groups of 136 participants were included. Eight were randomized controlled trials, with four studies reporting on the same cohort of participants. Electrical muscle stimulation appears to preserve muscle mass and strength in long-stay participants and in those with less acuity. No such benefits were observed when commenced prior to 7 days or in patients with high acuity. One adverse event was reported. Optimal training variables and safety of the intervention require further investigation.
Conclusions:
Electrical muscle stimulation is a promising intervention; however, there is conflicting evidence for its effectiveness when administered acutely. Outcomes measured are heterogeneous with small sample sizes.
