eRiCC trial: Early rehabilitation in Critical Care

None listed

Intensive care acquired weakness is a common problem following an ICU admission and leads to significant impairment in physical function and strength which is most prevalent in individuals affected with sepsis. Muscle mass reductions occur rapidly with up to 20% lost within the first week alone, this is accelerated in sepsis with greater muscle protein degradation. Whilst early rehabilitation commonly involving mobilisation has been shown to be both feasible and safe, it often is delayed in commencement as it relies on the individual being alert and able to participate in therapy. This trial involves the use of an intervention which can commence early in the ICU admission to try to minimise the muscle changes that occur without the direct need for patient participation and engagement. This trial will examine the effectiveness of functional electrical stimulation assisted cycling using a supine cycling machine and cycling alone compared to standard care in individuals with sepsis within the intensive care unit. Within a subgroup of 20 individuals biomarker analyses will be performed to try to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for the changes observed.