Neuromuscular electrical stimulation in early rehabilitation of patients with postoperative complications after cardiovascular surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: To evaluate the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in early rehabilitation of patients with postoperative complications after cardiovascular surgery.

Methods: 37 patients (25 men and 12 women) aged 45 to 70 years with postoperative complications after cardiovascular surgery were included in the study. Eighteen patients underwent NMES daily since postoperative day 3 until discharge in addition to standard rehabilitation program (NMES group), and 19 patients underwent standard rehabilitation program only (non-NMES group).