Effects of electrical muscle stimulation early in the quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscle of critically ill patients.

Background: Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is applied to critically ill patients in order to improve their muscle strength, thereby preventing hypotrophy and promoting functional recovery.

Objective: To assess the effects of early EMS on the range of movement of the ankle joint, and on thigh and leg circumference in critically ill patients.

Methods: This is a prospective randomized clinical trial comprising 11 patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.