Systematic review of the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in post-coronavirus disease.

Background: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has demonstrated its efficacy in improving strength, muscle development, optimising microcirculation, reducing frailty and mortality risk. A better understanding of its prescription and effects in patients with coronavirus syndrome post (COVID-19) could favour its use.

Objectives: To find evidence that compares the effectiveness of NMES in the increasing muscle mass, muscle strength and functional independence of patients in post-intensive care unit (ICU) with COVID-19 syndrome.

Method: A systematic search was carried out in electronic databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Ovid and Cochrane from 22 May 2022 to 30 April 2023, without language restriction, including clinical controlled trials (CCTs) and prospective longitudinal studies (PLS). Prospero registration (CRD42022332036).

Results: A total of 1718 scientific articles were found; four articles met the inclusion criteria. For NMES dosing, intervention time ranged from 9 days to 30 days, the stimulus frequency was between 20 Hz and 121 Hz and the pulse width was between 350 µs and 1400 µs. The application time ranged from 30 min to 60 min, the intensity was between 20 mA and 250 mA and the stimulated muscle groups were quadriceps, tibialis anterior, hamstrings and gluteus.

Conclusion: The use of NMES after COVID-19 such as integral complementary strategy improves muscle mass, strength and functionality of the patients optimising recovery results.

Clinical implications: The addition of NMES to standard physical therapy might have a positive impact on the recovery of individuals who have survived COVID-19.