ELectrical & Magnetic Stimulation after trauma - the ELMS Trial
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The ELMS Trial: a pilot randomised controlled trial of ELectrical and Magnetic Stimulation against sham to mitigate Intensive Care Unit-acquired weakness after trauma
IRAS ID
126172
Contact name
Iain M Smith
Contact email
Research summary
Immobility is associated with very rapid muscle loss. In the critically ill, this may be exacerbated by inflammatory processes which lead to degeneration of nerves and muscles. This results in prolonged effects on physical abilities and quality of life. Early physical therapy is known to be beneficial, but unconscious and immobilised patients are unable to benefit from this. Patients who require treatment in an intensive care unit after major injuries are therefore at risk of long term consequences arising from this “intensive care unit-acquired weakness”, as well as from their injuries.
Both electrical and magnetic muscle stimulation may benefit critically ill patients with various clinical conditions, but little work has been done in trauma. In comparative studies, electrical stimulation generates greater muscle force than magnetic. However, due to the need for skin contact, electrical stimulation is not always appropriate (e.g. after burns) whereas magnetic stimulation does not require direct contact and may be a useful alternative.
We wish to examine the potential of neuromuscular stimulation to preserve muscle volume, strength and function, to promote earlier rehabilitation and improve quality of life in trauma patients. We will also investigate whether such stimulation alters the cytokine and hormonal flux after trauma and/or causes histological changes within stimulated muscle.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/YH/0246
Date of REC Opinion
28 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion