| Objective: To systematically review the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on muscle strength and clinical outcomes in ICU patients. Methods: Six databases including Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang database were searched for related literature from database established to December 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) about the effects of NMES in ICU patients were collected. Literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation were independently performed by two researchers. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software (version 5.3). Results: Fourteen studies were eventually included. The total MRC score of the patients was reported in 6 literature, and the Meta analysis results showed that the total MRC score in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group ［MD=4.14, 95% CI (2.69, 5.58), P < 0.01］. Six literature reported the mechanical ventilation time of patients in ICU, and Meta analysis results showed that the mechanical ventilation time in the observation group was significantly shorter than in the control group ［MD=-2.19, 95% CI (-4.09, -0.30), P=0.02］. The length of ICU stay in the observation group was significantly shorter than that in the control group ［MD=-1.80, 95% CI (-3.33, -0.27), P=0.02］. Conclusion: The application of NMES in ICU patients is safe and effective. NMES can enhance MRC score, and shorten mechanical ventilation time and ICU stay. Also, Large sample and multi-center RCTs are needed to confirm the effects of NMES. |
