Time-varying effect of hemodynamics in intensive care via neuromuscular electrical stimulation：a prospective, single-center, self-controlled study

Objective This study aimed to investigate the pattern of changes in hemodynamic indices after the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in intensive care patients. Methods Forty icu inpatients with Caprini risk score ≥ 5 from Qianfoshan Hospital in Shandong Province received neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Doppler ultrasound was used to collect hemodynamic indexes (peak blood flow velocity, peak blood flow, and vessel diameter) of the popliteal vein of the patients before the application of NMES, 0.5h、1h、1.5h、2h during application as well as 0.5h and 1h after the discontinuation of NMES, respectively, to analyze the time-variable variations of hemodynamic indexes. Results The peak venous flow velocity, diameter of the popliteal vein, and blood flow volume following NMES intervention were significantly higher than pre-intervention levels (P < 0.05). During the initial phase of intervention (from initiation to 1 hour post-intervention), hemodynamic parameters progressively increased, but no further elevation was observed between 1 and 2 hours of intervention. At 1 hour after NMES discontinuation, the peak venous flow velocity, diameter, and blood flow volume in the popliteal vein showed no statistically significant differences compared to pre-intervention values (P > 0.05), indicating a return to baseline levels. Conclusion NMES is a highly promising mechanical measure for thrombosis prevention, which accelerates venous blood flow velocity in the lower extremities of ICU patients, is feasible, safe, and effective in the absence of the use of conventional anticoagulant drugs and other conventional physical measures. The hemodynamic parameters plateau after 1 hour of application and return to baseline values within 1 hour of discontinuation, providing valuable insights for future research on the clinical utilization of NMES.