Key result
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation improved knee extensor strength in cardiac surgery patients (SMD=1.68; p=0.05), but had no significant effect on 6-minute walking distance, walking speed, or QoL.
Why the study?
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is a possible adjunctive therapy to improve physical function in cardiac surgery patients, but evidence regarding its effects on functional capacity and quality of life remains controversial.
Does neuromuscular electrical stimulation improve functional capacity and quality of life in cardiac surgery patients?
Population
400 cardiac surgery patients across 6 studies
Comparison
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation vs comparator
Design
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors
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NMES may enhance strength without improving walking or QoL post-cardiac surgery; extends muscle-specific evidence but leaves functional benefits open.
Meta-Analysis (n=400)
Does neuromuscular electrical stimulation improve functional capacity and quality of life in cardiac surgery patients?
Standardized Mean Difference: 1.68
p-value: p=0.05
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is safe and improves knee extensor strength in cardiac surgery patients, but does not significantly improve walking distance or quality of life.
Zhang et al. (2021) conducted a meta-analysis in cardiac surgery (n=400). Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) was evaluated on knee extensor strength (SMD 1.68, p=0.05). Neuromuscular electrical stimulation improved knee extensor strength in cardiac surgery patients (SMD=1.68; p=0.05), but had no significant effect on 6-minute walking distance, walking speed, or QoL.
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