Safety and feasibility of an FES-Cycling based neuromuscular evaluation method in mechanically ventilated patients

Purpose: FES-Cycling can be used to assess neuromuscular performance, however the safety and feasibility of this evaluation method has never been investigated. Materials and methods: an observational prospective study was carried out. The FES-Cycling equipment was set in the evaluation mode. For safety determination, hemodynamic parameters and peripheral oxygen saturation were measured before and immediately after the evaluation protocol, as well as venous oxygen saturation and blood lactate. The creatine phosphokinase level (CPK) was measured before and 24, 48 and 72 hours after the test. The time spent to carry out the entire evaluation protocol and the number of patients with visible muscle contraction were recorded to assess feasibility. Results: Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not change after protocol evaluation, as well as peripheral and venous oxygen saturation (p > 0.05). Moreover, blood lactate did not change (p > 0.05). CPK did not change up to 72 hours after the test (p > 0.05). The time for evaluation was 11.3 (SD = 1.1) minutes. Furthermore, 75% of the patients presented very visible muscle contraction, 25% of the patients presented barely visible and no patients presented non-visible muscle contraction. Conclusions: FES-Cycling based neuromuscular evaluation method is safe and feasible. Keywords: FES-cycling, weakness, intensive care unit, safety, feasibility, muscle.