What does this research mean for the field?

Chronic low-frequency electrical stimulation of thigh muscles improves functional exercise capacity and counteracts detrimental skeletal muscle alterations in patients with severe chronic heart failure. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to examine the effects of chronic low-frequency electrical stimulation on muscle function in patients with chronic heart failure.

May 16, 2026European Heart JournalOpen Access

Beneficial effects of chronic low-frequency stimulation of thigh muscles in patients with advanced chronic heart failure

Q: What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: RCT. Population: chronic heart failure (CHF) (n=32). Intervention: Chronic low-frequency electrical stimulation (CLFS) of thigh muscles vs. Current input up to the sensory threshold without muscle contractions. Primary outcome: Peak VO(2) (ml/min/kg) (p=<0.001).

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Key result

Chronic thigh muscle electrical stimulation increases peak VO2 by ~21% in severe heart failure.

P<0.001
n=32

Authors

MNMartin NuhrNuhr Medical Center

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Randomized trial shows chronic low-frequency stimulation increases exercise capacity in chronic heart failure patients, suggesting a new treatment approach.

Key Points

This study aims to examine the effects of chronic low-frequency electrical stimulation on muscle function in patients with chronic heart failure.
32 CHF patients randomized into CLFS and control groups
Assessment of functional capacity via peak VO2, workload, and 6-min-walk
Analysis of muscle biopsies for MHC isoforms and enzyme activities.
In the CLFS group, peak VO2 increased from 9.6 to 11.6 mlmin(-1)kg(-1), P<0.001
Maximal workload and oxygen uptake at anaerobic threshold also significantly increased in CLFS
6-min walk test improved in CLFS (P<0.001), with changes in MHC isoforms and enzyme activities.

Study Design

Type

RCT (n=32)

PICO

Population

32 patients (mean age 53 years) with chronic heart failure (LVEF 22%, NYHA II-IV) on optimized drug therapy.

Intervention / Comparator

Chronic low-frequency electrical stimulation (CLFS) of thigh muscles vs Current input up to the sensory threshold without muscle contractions

Primary Outcome

Peak VO(2) (ml/min/kg), p=<0.001

Main Result

Absolute Event Rate: 11.6% vs 9.4%

p-value: p=<0.001

Cite This Study

Martin Nuhr (2004) conducted an RCT in chronic heart failure (CHF) (n=32). Chronic low-frequency electrical stimulation (CLFS) of thigh muscles vs. Current input up to the sensory threshold without muscle contractions was evaluated on Peak VO(2) (ml/min/kg) (p=<0.001). Chronic low-frequency electrical stimulation of thigh muscles increased peak VO2 from 9.6 to 11.6 ml/min/kg (P<0.001) in patients with severe chronic heart failure.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a07e22ce32a1219f49e730c https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ehj.2003.09.027

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Implication

Randomized trial shows chronic low-frequency stimulation increases exercise capacity in chronic heart failure patients, suggesting a new treatment approach.

Beneficial effects of chronic low-frequency stimulation of thigh muscles in patients with advanced chronic heart failure

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Study Design

PICO

Main Result

Cite This Study

Beneficial effects of chronic low-frequency stimulation of thigh muscles in patients with advanced chronic heart failure

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Study Design

PICO

Main Result

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Also Consider