The Effect of Early Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Early Mobilization on Preventing the Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness in Lung Cancer Resection Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this research is to examine the impact of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and early mobilization (EM) on preventing the intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) in lung cancer resection patients. Methods: This was a single-center, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized into NMES, EM, and control groups. The main outcome measure was the occurrence of ICU-AW, with secondary outcomes encompassing differences in handgrip strength, duration of stay in the ICU, and overall hospital length of stay across the groups. Results: Both interventions demonstrated significant reductions in ICU-AW incidence compared with the control group. The EM group had odds ratios of 0.10 (95% CI 0.03 - 0.31) at 2 days post-admission and 0.07 (95% CI 0.02 - 0.26) at ICU discharge, while the NMES group showed comparable reductions (OR 0.07; 95% CI 0.02 - 0.23 and OR 0.02; 95% CI 0.00 - 0.18, respectively). No significant between-intervention differences were observed. Compared with the control group, both intervention groups showed significantly greater handgrip strength at two days after ICU admission and at ICU discharge (P < 0.05). Neither intervention significantly affected ICU or hospital length of stay (P > 0.05). Conclusions: EM and NMES each play a significant role in the reduction of ICU-AW incidence, enhance the handgrip strength of both upper limbs, but do not reduce ICU or hospital length of stay in lung cancer resection patients.